Hawaii County, HI
Home MenuFood Assistance
The Food Basket of Hawai'i is an organization dedicated to ending hunger in Hawai'i County and is in development of agriculture plots that will enhance the local economy. They provide food assistance to residents of the County of Hawai'i and post updates regarding food hand-out locations as well as resources for the Maui Assistance-- including donation centers, volunteer hubs, SNAP information, mental health, and donation centers.
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) can help pay for food for qualified individuals affected by the wildfires. The program provides funds on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card to pay for food. Individuals can be eligible for D-SNAP if they reside in a disaster area that has received an Individual Assistance declaration (currently Maui County) and are facing a loss of income, costly expenses, evacuation or relocation expenses, or personal injury related to the disaster. People already receiving SNAP benefits may still quality for additional amounts under D-SNAP if they receive less than the maximum amount for the family and have experienced loss due to the disaster. D-SNAP can increase the benefit to meet the maximum amount for the family.
Individuals seeking to apply for D-SNAP can do so with the State of Hawai‘i’s Department of Human Services. For additional assistance, please call the Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643 or visit the Maui SNAP Processing Center listed below
Human Services Hawaiʻi Island Branch
13 Kekaulike St, Hilo, HI 96720
USDA FNS Hawaii Disaster Assistance - Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs (HCNP)
The U.S Food and Nutrition Service has approved Hawai'i's HNCP request for waivers regarding the child nutrition program affected by the Maui wildfires. The National School Lunch and Breakfast programs along with independent sponsors may serve meals in a non-congregate setting on the island of Maui AND Hawai'i, effective through Oct. 31st.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a federally funded program which provides Hawaiʻi residents with nourishing supplemental foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and health and social service referrals. The participants of WIC are either pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women, and infants and children under age five who meet income guidelines and have a medical or nutritional risk.
Updates to the program for Maui and Hawai'i Residents:
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On Aug. 18, 2023, FNS approved the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) request for flexibility with the maximum monthly allowance (MMA) requirements in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant, and Children (WIC). The waiver approval allows infant formula substitutions for contract brand infant formula as stated in the approval letter. This waiver is in effect through Oct. 31, 2023, or 60 days after the end of the Emergency Declaration, whichever is sooner.
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On Aug. 18, 2023, FNS approved the Hawaii DOH request for flexibility with the requirement for on-site visits prior to a vendor’s initial authorization in WIC. The waiver approval allows the state agency to authorize the stores necessary to ensure continued participant access to supplemental foods. This waiver is in effect through Oct. 31, 2023, or 60 days after the end of the Emergency Declaration, whichever is sooner.
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On Aug. 14, 2023, FNS approved the Hawaii DOH request for flexibility with the MMA requirements in WIC. The waiver approval allows substitutions as stated in the approval letter of portion sizes of eggs, tofu, whole wheat/whole grain bread, juice and breakfast cereal. This waiver is in effect through Oct. 31, 2023, or 60 days after the end of the Emergency Declaration, whichever is sooner.