Food Access

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Also referred to as “EBT” and formerly known as “food stamps,” SNAP benefits are now accepted at many farmers markets in Hawaii. SNAP can be used to purchase any food item that is meant to be prepared at home, including fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, breads, honey, edible plant starts (vegetable and herb), and other foods. No hot foods or ready-to-eat foods that are meant to be eaten on-site may be purchased with SNAP.

Though SNAP benefits are contained on a card similar to a debit card, many Hawaii farmers markets are able to accept SNAP cards through a centralized wireless terminal using their own market currency. Simply swipe your EBT card at the terminal located at the market’s information booth and decide how much you would like to have withdrawn from your account. The person at the information table will give you the amount you asked for in $1 or $5 tokens that can be spent on eligible foods with participating vendors at the market. 

  • To find out if your family is eligible for SNAP benefits, or to sign up, visit DHS’s SNAP page.
  • To find out which Hawaii farmers markets accept SNAP, visit our Hawaii Farmers Market Directory and look for “SNAP/EBT Accepted”.
  • Markets interested in learning more about offering SNAP benefits at their market can find great tool kits on our Market Manager Resources page.

Double Up Food Bucks (DABUX)

Get more fruits and vegetables when you spend your SNAP EBT Card dollars at participating farmers’ markets. It’s easy with Double Up Food Bucks!

For example, if you spend $10 from your SNAP EBT Card at a participating farmers market, DABUX gives you another $10 to buy fresh fruits and veggies grown in Hawaii. If you spend $25 from your SNAP EBT Card, Double Up Food Bucks gives you another $25 for fresh Hawaii-grown fruits and vegetables. It’s that easy!

  • To find out if your family is eligible for SNAP, or to sign up, visit DHS’s SNAP page.
  • To find out which Hawaii farmers markets are participating in DABUX, visit our Hawaii Farmers Markets Directory and look for the DABUX icon.
  • Markets interested in offering SNAP benefits at their market can find great tool kits in our Market Manager Resources. If your market already participates in SNAP, and is interested in DABUX, contact The Food Basket for more info.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Note: this program is not currently active but is expected back in 2021

Hawaii’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) offers eligible seniors $50 worth of coupons (10 coupons valued at $5 each) to obtain eligible foods without charge from participating farmers, farmers’ markets, and roadside stands that have been approved to accept SFMNP coupons. Coupons may be redeemed from participating vendors from April 1st – September 30th. 

The eligibility requirements to receive SFMNP benefits are as follows:

  • Individuals who are at least 60 years old.
  • Maximum household income of 185% or below of the US Federal Poverty Guidelines.
    • Individual Household – $26,603
    • Two-Person Household – $36,001
  • Participants must be a resident of the State of Hawaii and reside in the county they apply to.

Applicants must be certified to participate each year, therefore, those who participated in the program last year must submit a new application each year.  Each year there is a limited number of coupons that are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis during the program period of April-September.

To apply for the SFMNP checks to spend at the farmers’ market, or for information on currently participating market locations, contact your regional provider:

  • Hawaii Island: Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council in Hilo, Website
  • Oahu: Hawaii Food Bank in Honolulu, Website
  • Maui: Maui Economic Opportunity in Wailuku, Website
  • Kauai: Hawaii Food Bank in Lihue, Website

Fruit & Vegetable Prescription Program (FVRx)

The Fruit & Vegetable Prescription Program (FVRx) connects federally qualified health clinics and their patients who suffer from diet-related illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension with “prescriptions” or incentives that are used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at their local farmers’ markets.

  • If you are a patient that suffers from diet-related illnesses, ask your clinic if they offer the program.
  • If you are a clinic employee or community health worker, contact us to discuss your interest and potential partnerships if and when grant funding becomes available in your area.
  • If you are a funder, contact us to fund a Fresh Rx program at a health clinic & farmers market pairing in your community!