‘DA BUX’ Double Up Food Bucks program expands to all Foodland stores statewide

The “DA BUX” Double Up Food Bucks program — which helps people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits put more fresh and locally-grown fruits and vegetables on their dinner tables — has expanded to include all Foodland locations throughout Hawaiʻi.

That includes Foodland Princeville, located at 5-4280 Kūhiō Highway, which is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Foodland is one of the top three most visited grocery stores for those who receive benefits through SNAP — still often commonly referred to as food stamps — and reaches a large segment of the target audience of “DA BUX.”

“Many [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] shoppers already prefer Foodland as their grocery store of choice, making this expansion a crucial step in improving participation and ensuring that more families have access to fresh, locally-grown food,” said the Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island’s food bank, in an announcement about expanding the prgram.

The Food Basket, which administers “DA BUX” statewide, added that expanding the food supplement program to include all Foodland stores in the islands will help reach a larger segment of the program’s users, eliminating confusion and barriers at checkout.

SNAP recipients who get “DA BUX” benefits receive an access card they swipe before their electronic benefits transfer, or EBT, card at checkout to get 50% off qualifying fruits and vegetables grown in Hawaiʻi at participating grocery stores.

The state in 2024 allocated $1.5 million to “DA BUX” — the largest state investment in the program’s history — ensuring greater financial stability for the program.

“DA BUX” also continues to rely on federal funds through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, which requires a 100% match from local, non-federal sources.

The program, with its current funding and statewide support, is secure through the end of 2026; however, ongoing fundraising efforts remain critical to sustaining and expanding the program.

The Food Basket said additional expansions are planned, with new food hubs and grocery stores set to join the program later this year.

There are 13 other Kauaʻi locations that already participated in “DA BUX”:

• Big Save Market locations in ʻEleʻele, Hanalei, Kapaʻa, Kōloa and Waimea.
• Hale Puna Farmers Market at the Old Waimea Sugar Mill in Waimea.
• Kīlauea Market + Cafe in Kīlauea.
• Mālama Kauaʻi Food Hub in Līhuʻe, Hanalei Colony Resort, Kauaʻi Juice Co. in Kīlauea, Lāwaʻi Market in Kalāheo and Leong’s Meat House in Kapaʻa.
• Times Supermarket in Līhuʻe.

While no federal funding freezes are in place, “DA BUX” leadership continues to strategically plan for long-term sustainability.

Visit the “DA BUX” Double Up Food Bucks program website for additional information and to learn if the program can benefit you and your family.