USDA grants big bucks to DA BUX program

Hawai‘i’s DA BUX Double Up Food Bucks, a statewide program operated by The Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island’s Food Bank, is getting big bucks from the federal government to continue helping low-income households throughout the islands eat healthier and local farmers grow the produce to put on their tables.

The Food Basket was awarded more than $8.4 million through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program it will use to extend the DA BUX program through Dec. 31, 2026.

It was the second highest amount awarded in the grant program’s most recent round of funding.

“With a statewide food insecurity rate of 30%, increased food security is vital for our local residents to be healthy and resilient, and the DA BUX program offers a beacon of hope to low-income households and our food industry partners,” said The Food Bank Executive Director Kristin Frost Albrect.

DA BUX is a component of the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture’s Hawai‘i Healthy Food Incentive Program.

It is administered statewide by The Food Basket, allowing island residents, including on Kaua‘i, who receive beneftis from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as SNAP and still called food stamps by many, to purchase healthy, locally sourced fruits and vegetables.

The Food Basket operates DA BUX in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance at 100-plus approved retail outlets throughout all four of the state’s counties, including grocery stores, Community Supported Agriculture programss, farmers markets and food hubs.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients receive a DA BUX Access Card or voucher they use to double their purchasing power at the point of sale — $10 of benefits is worth $20 of Hawai‘i grown produce.

“Every dollar we spend on healthy, local fruits and vegetables is an investment in the health of local families and the success of local farmers,” said Big Island state Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa, who represents House District 6 (Hōnaunau, Nāpō‘opo‘o, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Hōlualoa, Kailua-Kona). “The combined strength of state and private funds matched by federal funds will plant the seeds of healthy habits in our communities and bolster the viability of our farms for years to come.”

The DA BUX program’s extended purchasing power also benefits local farmers and the economy.

DA BUX has directly driven local food sales, steadily increasing from $220,354 in 2019 to $5 million in 2023 and 2024.

“The [Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture] is proud to be a charter member of the DA BUX program,” said Sharon Hurd, chairwoman of the state Agriculture Department. “We are grateful to the Hawaiʻi Legislature for recognizing the value and real impact DA BUX has on local families who need it most.”

DA BUX is often described as a triple-win because it helps Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants access fresh, local produce while supporting local farmers who grow it and keeps those dollars in the state and local economies.

“Since introducing the legislation that started the DA BUX program in 2019, the Legislature has appropriated over $2 million,” said Hawaiʻi Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz. “I am thrilled to see the state’s investments in agriculture leveraged to draw down additional federal funds. I look forward to continue working with my legislative colleagues, the Department of Agriculture and local farmers to promote nourishing Hawaiʻi’s future.”

A new annual state allocation of $1.5 million, approved by the Hawaiʻi Legislature during its 2024 session earlier this year, helped secure the $8.4 million grant.

Nearly $25 million in local food sales is projected to be generated during the next 3 years as a result.

“I am pleased to hear that the Legislature’s commitment to the DA BUX program, demonstrated by last year’s $1.5 million appropriation, has received federal recognition for supporting [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] recipients’ access to healthy, locally grown produce,” said Hawaiʻi House Finance Committee Chairman Rep. Kyle Yamashita. “The [$8.4 million] awarded to the state will help expand this valuable program, providing nutritious food to local families while supporting Hawaiʻi’s farmers.”

To learn more about the program, visit the DA BUX Double Up program website.