What is the Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Benefit? 

The Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Benefit (HEFB) is a new state-sponsored food benefit that is separate from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit. HEFB will provide a benefit of $250 per person in a household. The HEFB will be restricted to purchase food and groceries at retail locations that accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

Is HEFB a SNAP benefit?

No. HEFB is a new state-sponsored food benefit, separate and distinct from SNAP. However, HEFB will utilize the same EBT mechanism as SNAP and will be used to purchase food and groceries at retail locations that accept EBT.

Do I need to apply for HEFB? 

No. There is no application process for HEFB. Benefits will be automatically issued to eligible households through their EBT card. Specific eligibility details will be shared soon as the program details are finalized.  

When will HEFB benefits be issued? 

DHS anticipates HEFB benefits will be issued to eligible households in mid-November.

How do I learn more? 

Further details regarding HEFB are still being finalized. As details are finalized, they will be posted on the DHS website at https://humanservices.hawaii.gov and shared through additional public announcements. Please continue to check the DHS website for updates over the coming weeks.

Additional Resources

Search the 211 database 24/7 for resources if you have lost SNAP Benefits: SNAP Alternative Food Resources

Hawaiʻi Government – Info about impact on SNAP benefits amid the government shutdown

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Additional Hawaiʻi Relief Program Information

Hawaiʻi Government – Hawaiʻi Relief Program FAQs

TANF Reserves- Four Month Program

• Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi , in partnership with the State of Hawaiʻi’s Department of Human Services, is offering housing assistance to eligible applicants experiencing financial hardship. This program is for households with dependent children or someone in their third trimester of pregnancy. 
  
  • Statewide program to provide up to four months of housing and utility payments for families with a dependent child up to 300% FPL.  
    
  • Income level is higher than for SNAP and is not limited only to those who receive  
    
• Maui Economic Opportunity, in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services, will provide up to four months of TANF support for housing and utility payments for eligible families who have at least one dependent child in their household and are in financial crisis or have an episode of need.

Hawaiʻi Food Bank- State $2 million emergency infusion across the State to meet increased demand:  

Government Shutdown Support – Hawaiʻi Foodbank 

• The partnership between Hawaiʻi Foodbank and its two partners – Maui Food Bank and The Food Basket- ensure statewide reach.  

• Between them, the three major foodbanks have partnerships with over 500 partner agencies and food pantries that they utilize to ensure food reaches every corner ofthe community.  

• Providing support to the Hawaiʻi Foodbank and its partners is critical because the majority of agencies that provide food help in Hawaiʻi receive food for distribution through the Hawaiʻi Foodbank’s distribution network.