Upcoming federal changes to SNAP program will decrease benefits to Hawaiʻi families

The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services is preparing families across the state for changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program known as SNAP that become effective on Oct. 1.

Households in Hawaiʻi will see a reduction in their monthly SNAP benefit because of adjustments made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to the Thrifty Food Plan, the federal formula used to determine benefit levels nationwide.

On average, the decrease will be about $8 per person per month. For example, a single-person household will see about an $11 reduction, while a family of four will see about a $34 per-person reduction, according to the Department of Human Services.

“This change is not easy for families who are already working hard to make ends meet, and we know every dollar matters when putting food on the table,” said Ryan Yamane, director of the Department of Human Services.

The department encourages families to take the following steps:

• Update household information: Reporting expenses such as rent, child care and out-of-pocket medical costs may help households receive more benefits.

• Explore additional resources: Programs like DA BUX (discounts on local produce), WIC (healthy food for pregnant people, new moms and keiki under 5), Free and Reduced-Price School Meals, and SUN Bucks (summer grocery support for keiki) can help stretch food budgets.

• Call for help: Families can contact Department of Human Servicesʻ processing centers or dial 2-1-1 (Aloha United Way) to be connected with food resources and SNAP outreach partners in their community.

“This is the third year of federally required reductions for Hawaiʻi and we know it will be felt across households,” Yamane said.

The Department of Human Services said in a press release it continues to work with federal partners to raise awareness about Hawaiʻi’s expensive cost of living and is committed to supporting families with compassion and care.

For more information, families can contact their local DHS processing center or call 2-1-1.