The Food Basket - SNAP Outreach

01/20/2026

The Food Basket, Inc. is proud to introduce Summer Tawney, our new East Hawaiʻi SNAP Outreach Specialist. Deeply rooted in our community, Summer is dedicated to ensuring her neighbors have the support they need. She is ready to assist individuals and families with SNAP (Food Stamps) applications, renewals, or general information.

To connect with Summer, please call 808-796-0132 or email her at [email protected]."

10/24/2025

SNAP Benefits Information During Government Shutdown.

The Hawai‘i Department of Human Services (DHS) continues to closely monitor the federal government shutdown and its potential impact on programs that provide essential food assistance to Hawai‘i families. If the federal shutdown continues into November, federal funding for the SNAP program may b...

08/22/2025

The Food Basket, Inc. - Hawai'i Island's Food Bank SNAP Outreach Program would like to introduce our new West Hawaii SNAP Outreach Specialist, Melanie Iwaishi. She brings her extensive experience assisting individuals and families in need. Please reach out Melanie for SNAP (Food Stamps) application, renewal, or information assistance. To connect with Melanie, call 808-796-0133 or email her at [email protected]

08/22/2025

Aloha, Hawai'i Island residents! We are excited to introduce Annika Anitok, the Food Basket's SNAP Outreach Specialist for South Hawai'i. Annika is from the Marshall Islands and is here to help you apply for SNAP, formerly Food Stamps. To connect with Annika, reach out to her at 808-767-3123 or email her at [email protected]. We look forward to supporting you!

08/22/2025

SNAP O - In the Community! ✍️🙂

07/25/2024

07/25/2024

Aloha, Hawai'i Island residents! We are excited to introduce our dedicated West Hawai'i SNAP Outreach Specialist, Kauaokawehi "Ua" Kalanianu. Ua's heart is with her community and helping those in need. She is here to help you apply for the Supplemental Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly the Food Stamps Program.

To connect with Ua, please reach out to her at 808-796-0133 or send an email to [email protected].

07/25/2024

Aloha, Hawai'i Island residents! We are thrilled to introduce our dedicated East Hawai'i SNAP Outreach Specialist, Tisha Lunsford. With her extensive experience assisting individuals and families in need, she is here to help you apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as the Food Stamps Program.

To connect with Tisha, reach out to her at 808-796-0132 or send an email to [email protected]

07/20/2024

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 https://www.hawaiifoodhelp.com/summer_ebt

Or call 1-888-975-7328

12/26/2023

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! 🌺🍽✨

12/21/2023

🌺🍲 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! 🌺🍽✨

11/29/2023

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.