Deadline to apply for SUN Bucks food benefits nears; Hawai‘i families urged to apply

SUN Bucks is a new permanent program launched in 2024 that provides $177 per eligible child in Hawai‘i with food benefits to help families during the summer, when access to school meals is limited.

Hawai‘i Department of Human Services data show more than 80,000 children statewide already received benefits, representing more than $14 million in food assistance.

However, thousands more could still be eligible.

“We’re proud of the progress so far — but we also know many families still need support,” state Department of Human Services Director Ryan Yamane was quoted in a release as saying during a recent news conference July 22 in Honolulu.

Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green, his wife First Lady Jaime Kanani Green and Yamane took the opportunity during the public engagement to raise awareness about the SUN Bucks summer food program and encourage families to apply before the quickly approaching deadline during the beginning of August.

The program — a joint effort between the state and U.S. Department of Agriculture — is aimed at bridging a gap in nutrition many keiki throughout the islands experience during their summer break from school.

“Today is about something simple, but incredibly important,” Green was quoted in the release as saying during the news conference, “making sure our children have enough to eat. SUN Bucks is a reminder that when we invest in our keiki, we invest in the future of our state.”

First Lady Jaime Kanani Green is a SUN Bucks champion, being a huge supporter of the program since its launch last year.

She emphasized her commitment to ending childhood hunger throughout the state.

“In Hawai‘i, we care for one another — we mālama our keiki, our kūpuna and our ‘ohana,” the first lady was quoted in the release as saying during the news conference. “SUN Bucks reflects those values.”

It’s about making sure all children have the nutrition they need to grow and thrive all year long.

“No child in Hawai‘i should ever go hungry and this program helps us live up to that kuleana,” she was quoted in the release.

Yamane explained children approved for free or reduced-price meals at school or families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits are already eligible and there’s no need to apply for SUN Bucks.

Those who are not or are unsure, however, shouldn’t hesitate to apply.

Eligible families that don’t automatically qualify have until Aug. 3 to submit an application.

SUN Bucks cards are mailed to qualifying households and can be used anywhere electronic benefits transfer, or EBT, is accepted — including farmers markets through the Da Bux program.

Visit the SUN Bucks website or call 1-888-975-SEBT (7328) to apply, get additional information or find help applying.

“These benefits don’t just help families — they strengthen our local economy by putting dollars directly into our grocery stores, farmers markets and food systems,” Gov. Green was quoted in the release.