A Comprehensive Guide to Food Resources and Discounts in Hawaii for SNAP Recipients and Federal Employees

**View the Hawai‘i Food and Aid Resource Guide**

(Updates in real time)

Introduction

This report serves as a singular, comprehensive resource for two distinct groups in Hawaii: individuals and families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and federal government employees. The guide details free food assistance programs, such as food pantries and soup kitchens, as well as discount opportunities at grocery stores and restaurants available across the state. The information is structured to provide clear, actionable guidance for those seeking to stretch their food budget or access immediate food assistance.

The report is divided into three main parts. Part I is dedicated to resources specifically for SNAP recipients, focusing on programs that leverage SNAP-EBT benefits to increase purchasing power. Part II provides an extensive, island-by-island directory of the community-wide food assistance network, including food pantries and meal services available to anyone in need. Part III addresses the unique needs of federal employees, outlining available discounts and critical support systems, particularly during periods of income disruption like government shutdowns.

It is crucial to note that the information contained within this guide, especially concerning the operating hours, locations, and rules of community food pantries and distribution sites, is subject to frequent change. Organizations may alter their schedules without notice due to holidays, weather, emergencies, or shifts in funding and volunteer availability. Therefore, it is strongly advised to call ahead or check the organization's website to verify all details before visiting any location.1

Part I: Resources for SNAP Recipients in Hawaii

This section focuses on programs and benefits directly tied to the use of a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. These initiatives are designed to provide significant financial relief and expand access to healthy food for eligible households throughout Hawaii.

Section 1: The DA BUX Program: Doubling Your Food Dollars on Local Produce

The DA BUX Double Up Food Bucks program is a powerful statewide initiative that provides a 50% discount on Hawai'i-grown fruits and vegetables for SNAP-EBT cardholders.3 Administered by The Food Basket in partnership with the Hawai'i Good Food Alliance, the program creates a "triple-win" benefit. It makes healthy, local food more affordable for low-income families, supports local farmers by increasing their sales and customer base, and strengthens the state's economy by keeping more food dollars circulating locally.5 The program has been extended and is confirmed to be available to residents until at least December 31, 2026.4

Eligibility for the DA BUX program is straightforward: anyone with an active SNAP-EBT card is qualified to participate. This includes individuals receiving benefits through related programs such as Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) or SUN Bucks (also known as Summer EBT).7

The program operates through two distinct methods depending on the type of retailer.

How It Works at Participating Grocery Stores

At major grocery stores, participation requires a DA BUX Access Card. The process is as follows:

1. Obtain a DA BUX Access Card: This card is essential for receiving the discount at participating grocery stores. Individuals can sign up for and receive a card in person at participating store locations or apply online through the DA BUX website.6 The card is not linked to any personal identifying information and does not need to be registered or activated before use.7
2. Shop for Qualifying Items: Shoppers should look for Hawai'i-grown fruits and vegetables marked with the DA BUX logo on or near the price signage.9 Qualifying items are fresh produce without any added salts, sugars, oils, or fats. Poi may also be offered as a qualifying item at the retailer's discretion.7
3. Present Cards at Checkout: At the register, the shopper must present both their DA BUX Access Card and their SNAP-EBT card to the cashier. The cashier scans the Access Card, which triggers the 50% discount on all qualifying items in the cart.6 This discount can only be applied once per day per SNAP-EBT card.6
4. Pay with SNAP-EBT: To finalize the transaction and validate eligibility, a minimum payment of at least one cent must be made using the SNAP-EBT card. If the SNAP balance does not cover the full remaining cost, other payment methods such as cash, credit, or debit cards can be used for the rest of the balance.7

How It Works at Food Hubs

The process is simpler at participating "food hubs," which include farmers' markets, Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, and online order-and-delivery services.10

1. No Access Card Needed: These direct-from-farm retailers do not use the scannable Access Card system.10
2. Inform the Vendor: The shopper simply needs to inform the vendor at the point of sale that they will be paying with their SNAP-EBT card. The vendor will then manually apply the 50% discount to all qualifying Hawai'i-grown produce.10
3. Pay with SNAP-EBT: Unlike at grocery stores, the entire remaining balance for the discounted produce at food hubs must be for using the SNAP-EBT card. Other forms of payment cannot be combined with the SNAP payment in the same transaction for these discounted items.7

Statewide DA BUX Participating Retailers

The DA BUX program has a growing network of over 100 retailers across the state.11 The following table provides a comprehensive list of known participating locations, organized by island.

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Section 2: Understanding the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in Hawaii

The federal Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a state-level option designed to allow specific, vulnerable SNAP populations to purchase prepared meals at authorized restaurants using their EBT benefits. This program is intended for SNAP recipients who may be unable to prepare meals themselves or who lack permanent housing for storing and preparing food. Federally defined eligible groups include individuals who are elderly (aged 60 or older), disabled, or experiencing homelessness, along with their spouses.12

The State of Hawaii has established the legal framework necessary to implement this program. The Hawaii Code of Rules includes a specific provision, § 17-610-5, titled "Restaurant meals," which explicitly authorizes the program.13 This rule outlines that eligible elderly and disabled persons could use their SNAP benefits at participating restaurants, which would be authorized by the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The rule also specifies that eligible recipients would be identified by a specially coded SNAP card.13

Despite this legal authorization, a thorough review of state and federal resources indicates that the Restaurant Meals Program is not currently active in Hawaii in a way that is accessible to consumers. While the program exists on paper, there are no published lists of participating restaurants for Hawaii, unlike in other states with active programs such as Arizona or California where such lists are readily available.14 The official websites for the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) provide extensive information on applying for and using SNAP benefits at authorized food retailers but make no mention of any participating restaurants.16 This gap between legal possibility and practical implementation means that, at present, SNAP recipients in Hawaii cannot use their EBT cards to purchase hot, prepared meals at restaurants.

For eligible individuals—those who are elderly, disabled, or homeless—who believe this program would be beneficial, the recommended course of action is to engage directly with the state agency responsible for administering SNAP. They can contact the Hawaii DHS Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643 to inquire about the current status of the Restaurant Meals Program and express their interest in its activation.16 Such inquiries can help state administrators gauge the need for the program and may encourage efforts toward its full implementation.

Part II: Community Food Assistance Network (All Islands)

This section provides a comprehensive directory of free food resources available to the broader community across all Hawaiian islands. These food pantries, soup kitchens, and distribution sites are the frontline defense against hunger, serving anyone in need, including but not limited to SNAP recipients and federal employees.

The food assistance landscape in Hawaii is a decentralized, community-driven ecosystem. While large, central food banks serve as the logistical hubs for each county, the final distribution of food to individuals and families is overwhelmingly handled by a network of smaller, independent partner agencies.18 This structure has distinct characteristics. Its strength lies in deep community ties, with local churches, community centers, and nonprofits providing hyper-local access points for assistance. However, this decentralization can also lead to variability in resources and operating hours, as smaller organizations may be dependent on fluctuating volunteer availability and donations. This reality underscores the critical importance of verifying information before visiting a site.

The primary food bank organizations for each county are:

• Hawai'i Foodbank: Serving O'ahu and Kaua'i.18
• The Food Basket, Inc.: Serving Hawai'i Island.21
• Maui Food Bank: Serving Maui County, which includes the islands of Maui, Moloka'i, and Lāna'i.20

Most of these pantries operate with minimal eligibility requirements, often relying on a simple self-declaration of need. However, some may have specific service area boundaries or require basic information like proof of household size to ensure they can provide an appropriate amount of food.23

Subsection 3.1: O'ahu Food Assistance Directory

Hawai'i Foodbank coordinates with a network of nearly 200 partner agencies on O'ahu to distribute food across the island.18 The following table consolidates information from various directories to provide a detailed list of known food pantries and meal services.

Subsection 3.2: Hawai'i Island Food Assistance Directory

The Food Basket, Inc. is the primary food bank for Hawai'i Island, coordinating a wide network of food pantries and soup kitchens to serve communities from Hilo to Kona and from Kohala to Ka'u.21

Subsection 3.3: Maui County (Maui, Moloka'i, Lāna'i) Food Assistance Directory

The Maui Food Bank is the central hunger-relief organization for all of Maui County, distributing food through a network of over 100 partner agencies and running direct service programs.20 In response to the 2023 wildfires, the Maui Food Bank established 'Da Market Lahaina,' a dedicated marketplace providing fresh foods and essential items at no cost for those directly affected. This program requires a separate registration and appointments to shop.26

Subsection 3.4: Kaua'i Food Assistance Directory

Hawai'i Foodbank Kaua'i serves the Garden Isle through a network of more than 30 partner agencies, providing a variety of food assistance options from Līhuʻe to Hanapēpē.18

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Part III: Resources for Federal Employees

Federal employees, while generally having stable employment, are not immune to financial pressures, particularly in a high-cost-of-living state like Hawaii. This vulnerability becomes especially acute during federal government shutdowns, when paychecks can be delayed or halted entirely. This section outlines food and restaurant discounts available to federal employees and provides a preparedness guide for navigating periods of income disruption.

Section 4: Unlocking Food and Restaurant Discounts

Unlike the broad, standardized discounts available to active-duty military personnel, standing discounts on food and groceries for federal employees are less common and not standardized. The most effective way to access consistent, albeit modest, discounts is often through membership in professional associations or unions that have negotiated benefits on behalf of their members.

Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) Membership

Federal civil service employees in Hawaii are eligible to join the Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) as "Associate members".28 Membership provides access to the "Makana Perks & Discounts" program, which includes partnerships with several local and national restaurant chains.29 To receive these discounts, members must typically present their digital or physical HGEA membership card and a photo ID when ordering.30

Known HGEA restaurant discounts include:

• Popeyes Hawaii: HGEA members receive a 10% discount on any regular-priced menu item. This offer is valid at participating locations on O'ahu (Kapahulu, Kalihi, Pearl City, Waipahu, Mililani) and Hawai'i Island (Pahoa). The discount is not applicable to limited-time offers, online orders, or delivery.30
• Texas de Brazil (O'ahu): This Brazilian steakhouse at Ala Moana Center offers a discount to HGEA members who show their card when ordering. The specific discount amount is not detailed but is confirmed to be an available perk.31
• Other Restaurant Partners: The HGEA Makana Perks program also lists partnerships with other establishments such as Big City Diner, Giovanni Pastrami, and Ruby Tuesday Hawaii, though specific discount details require members to check the HGEA portal.32

Conditional and Localized Discounts

Some discounts for federal employees are conditional or localized and require inquiry at the point of sale.

• Hotel-Based Dining Credits: Several hotels in Hawaii offer government rates for lodging. As part of these packages, they may include dining credits or discounts for their on-site restaurants. For example, the Park Shore Waikiki offers a "Rise and Dine" package that includes dining credits at Lulu's Waikiki, and the Kaimana Beach Hotel offers perks that may include benefits at their Hau Tree or Sunset Provisions establishments.33 These are not standalone food discounts but can provide value for employees on official travel or "staycation."
• Inquiry at National Chains: Some national restaurant chains may offer discounts to government employees at participating locations, but this is not a universal policy.35 Federal employees should always inquire about a potential government discount when dining out.

Section 5: A Preparedness Guide for Federal Shutdowns

Federal government shutdowns create a unique and acute financial crisis for employees who are either furloughed or required to work without pay. This sudden loss of income can quickly lead to food insecurity, making community support systems essential.37 The support structure for federal employees in Hawaii is largely reactive, mobilizing during these specific events rather than providing ongoing discounts.

Emergency Food Assistance During a Shutdown

• Community Food Banks: During a shutdown, local food banks often expand their services to explicitly include furloughed federal employees and their families as a priority group. For example, on Hawai'i Island, Vibrant Hawai'i's "Aloha In Action" food distribution program prioritizes households impacted by a SNAP pause and federal employees affected by a shutdown.38 Similarly, Hawai'i Foodbank on O'ahu and Kaua'i proactively prepares for an anticipated increase in need during these periods.39 Federal employees facing income loss should connect with the food banks and pantries listed in Part II of this guide, as they are a primary source of immediate assistance.
• Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA): FEEA is a national non-profit organization that provides direct financial support to federal employees in need. During government shutdowns, FEEA offers micro-grants—for example, $150—to help cover the cost of essentials like groceries, gas, and diapers. These grants are typically available to full-time federal employees below a certain salary threshold (e.g., $59,999, including locality pay) who are furloughed or working in an excepted status. Applicants are generally required to provide a copy of their furlough or excepted status notice and their most recent paystub.40

Other State and Community Support

• Free and Reduced-Price School Meals: The Hawai'i State Department of Education encourages families of federal employees who experience a change in income due to a shutdown to apply for free or reduced-price school meals for their children. When applying, furloughed employees should report their current income as '0'.41
• Information and Referral Services: National and local organizations serve as clearinghouses for assistance during a shutdown. The AFL-CIO and United Way's 2-1-1 helpline is a key resource for connecting individuals with local food assistance and other social services.42

The pattern of support demonstrates that while ongoing, daily discounts for federal employees are limited, the community safety net is designed to mobilize and provide a crucial buffer during acute crises like a government shutdown. This reveals a financial fragility for these workers, where the interruption of even one or two paychecks can trigger a need for the same food assistance programs that serve other low-income populations.

Conclusion & Quick Reference Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of food assistance programs and discount opportunities available to SNAP recipients and federal employees across the Hawaiian Islands. The analysis of available resources reveals distinct pathways to food security for each group, rooted in a combination of federal programs, state initiatives, and a robust community-based support network.

For SNAP recipients, the DA BUX Double Up Food Bucks program stands out as the most significant and consistent resource for increasing purchasing power. By offering a 50% discount on locally grown produce at a wide array of grocery stores and food hubs, it simultaneously promotes healthier eating and supports the local agricultural economy. Beyond this, the extensive network of food pantries and meal services, coordinated by the state's major food banks, serves as the primary source for free, supplemental food for anyone experiencing food insecurity.

For federal employees, the landscape is different. Standing, everyday discounts on food and groceries are not widespread and are best accessed through membership in organizations like the Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA). The most critical resources for this group are the emergency support systems that activate during federal government shutdowns. Organizations like the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) and Hawaii's local food banks recognize the acute financial distress caused by furloughs and provide targeted aid, including grants and prioritized access to food distributions.

The information compiled underscores the vital importance of verifying details, as the operations of community-based services can change. The following consolidated list of statewide contacts serves as a quick reference for accessing the primary organizations and information lines mentioned throughout this report.

Consolidated Statewide Contacts

• Aloha United Way (Statewide Information & Referral): Dial 2-1-1
• DHS Public Assistance Information Line (SNAP & Financial Aid Questions): 1-855-643-1643
• Hawai'i Foodbank (O'ahu & Kaua'i):

• O'ahu Phone: (808) 836-3600
• Kaua'i Phone: (808) 482-2224
• Website: hawaiifoodbank.org

• The Food Basket, Inc. (Hawai'i Island):

• Phone: (808) 933-6030
• Website: hawaiifoodbasket.org

• Maui Food Bank (Maui, Moloka'i, Lāna'i):

• Phone: (808) 243-9500
• Website: mauifoodbank.org

• DA BUX Double Up Food Bucks Program:

• Website: dabux.org

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