Hawai‘i families have until August 3, to apply for SUN Bucks, the Summer EBT program that provides food support for children during school breaks. Governor Josh Green, First Lady Jaime Kanani Green, and DHS Director Ryan Yamane are working to raise awareness and encourage families to apply. The program is now a regular part of the state's efforts to address child hunger, according to the Office of the Governor.
SUN Bucks is giving $177 per eligible child to help families in Hawai‘i buy food during the summer. Governor Green said, "Today is about something simple, but incredibly important — making sure our children have enough to eat." Families who get SNAP, TANF, or free or reduced-price school meals are automatically enrolled. Others need to apply. The program also helps local stores. First Lady Green said, "In Hawai‘i, we care for one another — we mālama our keiki, our kūpuna and our ‘ohana," as reported by the Office of the Governor.
More than 80,000 children have received $14 million through the SUN Bucks program. "We’re proud of the progress so far — but we also know many families still need support," Yamane said in a government release. Families are encouraged to apply by August 3 at sunbucks.dhs.hawaii.gov or by calling 1-888-975-7328. Those who qualify will receive EBT cards by mail, which can be used at approved locations, including local farmers markets through the Da Bux program, as stated by the Office of the Governor.
