Last updated 5/29/2020
Food stamps
The Department of Human Services, State of Hawaii, provides food stamps (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and is accepting applications via email at BESSD.StatewideBranch@dhs.hawaii.gov. If you need help with the application or don't know if you're eligible, give us a call at (808) 536-4302.
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You can also call a processing center (welfare office) for help with the application or if you need an interpreter because you can't speak or understand English well or you need an accommodation due to a disability. The processing centers are closed to the public but exceptions can be made based on the need.
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HELPING HANDS HAWAI'I also helps people apply for food stamps. Call for (808) 536-7234 an appointment.
"The Helping Hands Hawaii SNAP Outreach Program provides assistance to at-risk, vulnerable, and low-income individuals and households with accessing SNAP benefits. The assistance provided includes help with filling out the SNAP application for the Department of Human Services (DHS), providing interpretive assistance to Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals, facilitating submission of the application to the DHS offices, assisting with follow-up on application status as needed, helping SNAP benefit recipients to maintain those benefits, and participating with DHS-contracted providers to conduct SNAP nutrition educational activities designed to ensure proper use of the SNAP benefit, including how to use the benefit and still be able to eat nutritious meals. Particular focus is on the elderly, home-bound, disabled, homeless, and LEP communities."
"The Helping Hands Hawaii SNAP Outreach Program provides assistance to at-risk, vulnerable, and low-income individuals and households with accessing SNAP benefits. The assistance provided includes help with filling out the SNAP application for the Department of Human Services (DHS), providing interpretive assistance to Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals, facilitating submission of the application to the DHS offices, assisting with follow-up on application status as needed, helping SNAP benefit recipients to maintain those benefits, and participating with DHS-contracted providers to conduct SNAP nutrition educational activities designed to ensure proper use of the SNAP benefit, including how to use the benefit and still be able to eat nutritious meals. Particular focus is on the elderly, home-bound, disabled, homeless, and LEP communities."
FOOD Assistance by island
Hawai`i Food Bank and its partners are providing food assistance across the state. See below for island specific resources.
Maui Economic Opportunity has set up a Food Resource Voucher Program for families struggling to afford food. For eligibility and application process, see this flyer. The Pantry can also provide food state-wide in a grocery style environment. Customers can order food online to pick up at a scheduled time. Visit their website to register.
Visit Hawaii Food Resources Map for interactive maps of other food resources.
For information about SNAP (Food Stamps), see the Financial Assistance page.
- O`AHU Food Bank Hours and Locations
- KAUA`I Food Bank Hours and Locations
- HAWAI`I Island Food Basket Website
- MAUI Food Bank Website
- Drive through food distribution also available. See here.
Maui Economic Opportunity has set up a Food Resource Voucher Program for families struggling to afford food. For eligibility and application process, see this flyer. The Pantry can also provide food state-wide in a grocery style environment. Customers can order food online to pick up at a scheduled time. Visit their website to register.
Visit Hawaii Food Resources Map for interactive maps of other food resources.
For information about SNAP (Food Stamps), see the Financial Assistance page.
Homeless food resources
The Salvation Army is helping homeless individuals with cleaning supplies, face masks, personal protective equipment, and meals-to-go. It has partnered with multiple organizations to distribute the resources. For more information visit the Salvation Army website or call (808) 440-1800.
seniors
Many grocery stores have established modified store hours for seniors to do their shopping. Safeway and Foodland are also delivering groceries directly to homes. Visit their websites to sign up.
For more information about food delivery services and other opportunities, visit the Senior page.
For more information about food delivery services and other opportunities, visit the Senior page.
Food safety
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has information about food safety, food access and other resources.
