Hirono Announces $8.4 Million in Funding to Strengthen Food and Nutrition Security on Hawaii Island

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) announced $8.4 million in funding for The Food Basket, a food bank on Hawaii Island working to end hunger and distribute safe, high quality food in the community. The funding will go toward the “DA BUX” program, a partnership with local food retailers to make Hawaii-grown fruits and vegetables more affordable for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cardholders.

“Every household deserves access to healthy and affordable food and this funding is an important investment in the well-being of our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “Programs like DA BUX help thousands of people in Hawaii access fresh, local produce, improving the health of our communities and strengthening local agriculture. I will continue working to bridge the gaps in our food systems to keep families fed while increasing resiliency of local food production.”

Earlier this year, Senator Hirono secured several key priorities for Hawaii in the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act of 2024—also known as the “Farm Bill”—including an increase in the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP). GusNIP, which helped make this funding possible, is the primary funding source for Hawaii’s “DA BUX” program, which enables SNAP-EBT cardholders to receive a 50% discount on Hawaii-grown produce at participating grocery stores and food hubs.  

More information on the projects being funded is available here.