DURING the summertime when school’s out, some children lose access to free lunch.
But one benefits program helps solve that issue with a direct payment opportunity.
Select families can get cash to assist, but the deadline to apply for the life-changing benefit is quickly approaching.
Hawaii’s SUN Bucks Summer EBT program offers $177 per eligible child in food benefits during the summer months.
The deadline to apply for the program is August 3, just days away.
“In Hawai‘i, we care for one another — we mālama our keiki, our kūpuna and our ‘ohana,” First Lady Jaime Kanani Green emphasized during a recent press conference.
“SUN Bucks reflects those values.”
“It’s about ensuring every child has what they need nutritionally to grow and thrive — not just during the school year, but all year long,” Green continued.
“No child in Hawai‘i should ever go hungry and this program helps us live up to that kuleana.”
More than 80,000 children in Hawaii have already received these benefits, according to the Department of Human Services (DHS).
That accounts for a whopping $14 million in food assistance.
ELIGIBILITY BREAKDOWN
The following individuals will receive SUN Bucks automatically, according to the DHS.
- Student-aged children whose households received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy
- Families (TANF) benefits at any time between July 1, 2023 – August 4, 2024.
- Children who applied and were approved to receive free or reduced-price school lunch via the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) during the 2023-24 school year.
Others also be eligible for SUN Bucks, but would need to apply.
- Children experiencing homelessness
- Migrant children
- Children who receive free or reduced-price school meals but did not complete an NSLP application
“Today is about something simple, but incredibly important — making sure our children have enough to eat,” Governor Josh Green explained.
What are SNAP benefits?
Over 41 million people in America receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits each month.
SNAP provides food benefits to low-income households to help people get groceries.
Recipients get money on a debit card that can be used at grocery stores and farmers markets.
The amount of money distributed depends on several factors including how much money you make, how much money you receive from other benefits, and how many people are in your household.
The electronic benefits can help people buy food including food and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, and snacks.
You can’t use SNAP to buy alcohol, cigarettes, hot foods, or cooking utensils.
Source: USDA
“SUN Bucks is a reminder that when we invest in our keiki, we invest in the future of our state.”
“These benefits don’t just help families — they strengthen our local economy by putting dollars directly into our grocery stores, farmers markets and food systems,” he added.
The SUN Bucks program is a joint effort between the Department of Education and DHS.
“We’re proud of the progress so far — but we also know many families still need support,” DHS Director Yamane noted at the conference.
CONTINUED HELP
Several other states also have programs that are helping families financially this summer.
In California, the United Way Bay Area (UWBA) philanthropic organization is still in the middle of a universal basic income program pilot this year.
It began in November 2024 and will extend through the end of 2025 with monthly distributions of $1,000 to qualifying families.
The Ohio Mothers Trust is also still handing out $500 monthly distributions to single mothers in the Columbus area.
There’s even $850 monthly payments going out as part of a special “creative” program.
