The Food Basket - SNAP Outreach

What is Summer EBT?

SUN Bucks, or Summer EBT, is a new and permanent program to provide benefits to eligible households with school-aged children to purchase food during summer. Eligibility must be established annually.

SUN Bucks application starting July 5, 2024 through August 4, 2024

For information, visit https://sunbucks.dhs.hawaii.gov

Or call 1-888-975-7328

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Please join The Food Basket and SNAP Outreach at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium on Thursday, December 28 for an 'Ohana Food Drop! Distribution is drive-through.

🌺🍲 Join us for the Ohana Food Drop at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium on Thursday, December 28! 🍲🌺

🤝 The Food Basket is excited to bring the community together for a day of generosity and unity. Let's come together to share the spirit of giving and ensure that no one goes hungry this holiday season.

📅 Date: Thursday, December 28 at 10 am til Pau
📍 Location: Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium

Please arrive no more than 30 minutes prior to distribution

🥦🍞 Food Distribution for our Ohanas in need! 🍎🍽

Spread the word, invite your neighbors, and let's make this a day of abundance for everyone. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our community members.

🌈🤙

See you there! 🌺🍽✨

🌺🍲 Join us for the Ohana Food Drop at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium on Thursday, December 28! 🍲🌺

🤝 The Food Basket is excited to bring the community together for a day of generosity and unity. Let's come together to share the spirit of giving and ensure that no one goes hungry this holiday season.

📅 Date: Thursday, December 28 at 10 am til Pau
📍 Location: Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium

Please arrive no more than 30 minutes prior to distribution

🥦🍞 Food Distribution for our Ohanas in need! 🍎🍽

Spread the word, invite your neighbors, and let's make this a day of abundance for everyone. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our community members.

🌈🤙

See you there! 🌺🍽✨

DHS Secures Extension for SNAP Hot Food Program 🥗🍘🍚
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has been granted an extension of the SNAP Hot Food Program waiver until December 31, 2023. This allows SNAP beneficiaries to use their benefits to buy hot foods and hot food products that are ready to eat from authorized SNAP retailers across the state until the end of 2023.

Are you a victim of EBT FRAUD? Please visit or contact the nearest DHS Processing Center for assistance.

https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/blog/processing-centers-and-first-to-work-units/.

Processing Centers and First-To-Work Units   Processing Centers To reach our Statewide Branch Support Desk, please dial toll free: 1-855-643-1643 Oahu   Kapolei Processing Center 601 Kamokila Boulevard, Room 117 Kapolei, HI 96707 Fax: 692-7783 Email: [email protected]   Koolau Processing Center Waikalua – Lobby remains closed unt...

WHAT IS A "SNAP REPLACEMENT"?

A SNAP replacement is a replacement of
food purchased with SNAP benefits that
was destroyed in a household misfortune.
The amount of the replacement must be
for the amount of the food loss not to
exceed the amount of the monthly benefit
issued to the household.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR IT?

SNAP recipient households affected by the recent wildfires caused by Hurricane Dora on
Hawaii Island:
96743 – Kamuela
96755 – Kapaau

Maui:
96753 – Kihei, Wailea 96761 – Lahaina
96768 – Makawao
96788 – Pukalani
96790 - Kula

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR IT?

Please visit the Processing Center
in your area or call the
Public Assistance Information Line
1-855-643-1643.

WHAT DO I NEED TO PROVIDE
& WHEN?

Submit a signed
Application for Replacement
of Food
between August 14 thru
September 15, 2023
to the State agency.

SNAP Replacement Benefits
Replacements will be authorized if reported between August 14 thru September 15, 2023.
The replacement will be for the amount of the loss, not to exceed the August 2023 monthly allotment
for that household, after receipt of a signed affidavit that will be filed in the case record.
Once approved, replacement benefits are issued to current recipients using their existing EBT card.

Please visit the Processing Center in your area or call the
Public Assistance Information Line 1-855-643-1643.
Link to the Processing Centers information:
https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/blog/processing-centers- and-first-to-work-units/
SNAP REPLACEMENT BENEFITS

BUY HOT FOODS WITH YOUR SNAP EBT

Hawaii Wildfires – Special Disaster Rules for Accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits For Hot Food Purchases

Effective August 16, 2023, and through September 14, 2023, authorized SNAP retail food stores located in the Hawaii counties listed below may accept SNAP benefits in exchange for hot foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises.

Approved Counties

Hawaii, Honolulu, Kalawao, Kauai, and Maui.

Duration

These special rules are in effect August 16, 2023, through September 14, 2023.

Other Special Rules

Hot foods purchased with SNAP benefits during this time are not subject to sales tax.

Kupuna Pantry, funded by the federal Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), works to improve the health of low-income elderly persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA foods.
Food boxes are distributed to participants each month at sites across Hawai'i Island. Request your application today by calling 808.933.6030 (East Hawai'i) or 808.322.1418 (West Hawai'i).

Aloha East Hawaii residents! We are thrilled to introduce you to our dedicated and compassionate SNAP Outreach Specialist, Katherine Bumatay. With her extensive experience in assisting individuals and families in accessing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly Food Stamps Program, Katherine is here to provide you with the support and guidance you need.

To connect with Katherine, simply reach out to her at 808-796-0132 or send an email to [email protected]. She will be more than happy to assist you and provide the support you deserve.

Here's a little bit about Katherine:

* Knowledgeable and experienced: Katherine brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in SNAP eligibility and enrollment. With her expertise, she will guide you through the application process, answer any questions you may have, and ensure you have the information you need to make the most of the SNAP program.
* Compassionate and understanding: We understand that navigating assistance programs can be overwhelming, and our goal is to make it as seamless as possible. Katherine has a genuine care and empathy for the community she serves, and she is dedicated to ensuring that you feel supported every step of the way.
* Personalized assistance: Katherine will work closely with you to assess your eligibility, complete the necessary paperwork, and address any concerns you may have during the application process. She is committed to providing personalized assistance tailored to your unique circumstances, helping you access the resources you need to put nutritious meals on your table.

Whether you're a working parent in need of additional support, a senior on a fixed income, or someone facing unexpected financial challenges, Katherine is here to lend a helping hand. Remember, SNAP is a vital program designed to ensure that every individual and family in our community has access to nutritious food.

At The Food Basket, we are committed to nurturing and strengthening our community, one meal at a time. We are here for you, East Hawaii, and are ready to help you navigate the SNAP program with care and compassion.

The Food Basket - SNAP Outreach Big Island's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Provider - formerly Food Stamps.

Introducing Duane Pajimola - Our West Hawaii SNAP Outreach Specialist

Aloha, Big Island community! 🌺 We are delighted to introduce you to Duane Pajimola, our dedicated SNAP Outreach Specialist here at The Food Basket. With his wealth of knowledge and passion for serving our community, Duane is ready to assist you in accessing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly Food Stamps Program.

Do you have questions about SNAP? Are you unsure about the application process or need assistance with your existing benefits? Duane is here for you! You can reach out to him directly by phone at 808-796-0133 or via email at [email protected]. Duane is available to assist you and answer your questions from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

As the West Hawaii SNAP Outreach Specialist, Duane's main goal is to ensure that eligible individuals and families have access to the valuable resources and support that SNAP provides. We understand that sometimes life's circumstances can be challenging, and that's why Duane is here to lend a helping hand.

Here are a few key things to know about Duane:

Duane brings a wealth of experience in assisting individuals and families in need. He has a deep understanding of the SNAP program and its benefits, and he is here to guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have. With his expertise, you can feel confident that you'll receive accurate and reliable information.

How Duane Can Help You

As our SNAP Outreach Specialist, Duane is dedicated to making the SNAP (Food Stamps) application process as smooth and seamless as possible. He will work closely with you to determine your eligibility, assist with completing the necessary paperwork, and provide ongoing support throughout the process. Duane is committed to ensuring that you have access to the nutritious food you and your loved ones need to thrive.

Personal Commitment

Duane's passion for helping others shines through in his work. He understands the importance of providing a welcoming and supportive environment for those seeking assistance. With his warm and empathetic approach, Duane is committed to making sure that every individual feels heard, valued, and empowered as they navigate the SNAP program.

Remember, you don't have to navigate the SNAP program alone. Duane Pajimola, our West Hawaii SNAP Outreach Specialist, is here to support you every step of the way. We are honored to have Duane as part of our team, and we know that with his guidance and expertise, he will make a significant difference in the lives of those in our community.

Mahalo for allowing us to be a part of your journey towards a healthier and happier life. We are here to serve you, and Duane is ready to assist you with open arms.

The Food Basket - SNAP Outreach Big Island's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Provider - formerly Food Stamps.

https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/files/2023/06/Summer-2023-PEBT-FAQs-revised-062223-2.pdf

The positive impact SNAP has on the economy includes support of over 500 agricultural jobs including farmers, forestry, fishing, and hunting. If you want to support local agriculture, use your SNAP benefits to buy local goods at grocery stores, farmers markets, and CSA programs!

Here is a fun SNAP-friendly recipe that makes for a great pupu!

Be smart about how you submit your SNAP application or renewal! Online, in-person, and mail submissions are the most secure options. For a faster response, online submission will be your best bet.

If you have questions or concerns, contact one of our highly trained and trustworthy SNAP Outreach Specialists. Contact info can be found through the link in bio!

This week is World Salt Awareness Week which is meant to raise awareness about how much salt we consume on a daily basis. So here is a low sodium, healthy, and yummy salad recipe!

Don't let your assets deter you from applying for SNAP benefits! Contact our SNAP Outreach team if you have questions or would like to discuss your eligibility.

Protect your SNAP benefits! Do everything you can to prevent SNAP fraud because once you lose your benefits, there is no getting it back! Many have tried to recoup their lost benefits, but the process is long and unsuccessful.

For more information and to report SNAP fraud, check the link in the bio!

Six Month Reporting requirements can be found through the PAIS site. PAIS can be accessed through the link in bio!