The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) and the Hawaii State Department of Human Services (DHS) are increasing collaboration between the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The aim is to help more families across the state access nutritious food and essential health support.
SNAP offers monthly food benefits to low-income individuals and families, allowing them to buy healthy foods with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card at participating grocery stores statewide. WIC provides additional assistance for pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants, and children under age five who are at nutritional risk. This includes healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services.
“When families have access to nutritious food, it supports not just physical health, but stability, dignity and opportunity,” said DHS Director Ryan Yamane. “By strengthening the connection between SNAP and WIC, we are making it easier for families to receive the full range of support available to them during some of life’s most important stages.”
Research indicates that participation in WIC leads to better pregnancy outcomes, fewer premature births and infant deaths, improved child development, and reduced long-term healthcare costs. WIC benefits include fruits and vegetables, milk products such as cheese or yogurt, eggs, whole grains, infant foods, among other options tailored for participants’ needs.
Families already receiving SNAP may be automatically income-eligible for WIC. Through a new referral process introduced by Hawaii SNAP, monthly referrals are now shared with WIC in order to identify eligible families who have not yet enrolled. After a referral is made, WIC staff typically contact families within a few business days via phone call, text message or email to offer a short appointment that can be completed by phone or in person.
“Our goal is to meet families where they are and make the process as welcoming and simple as possible,” said Melanie Murakami, chief of the DOH WIC Services Branch. “WIC is about more than food. It is about supporting healthy pregnancies, healthy keiki and confident caregivers with practical tools and trusted guidance.”
Eligibility for WIC does not depend on citizenship status. Residents of Hawaii who are pregnant or postpartum or breastfeeding—or those with a child under age five—may qualify if they meet income guidelines and are determined by a health professional to be at nutritional risk. Proof of pregnancy is not required when applying.
Families unsure about enrolling can get more information before deciding whether or not to participate; all services are voluntary and provided free of charge.
The DOH operates as a public health agency focused on providing comprehensive services related to health promotion—including disease prevention—and environmental protection throughout Hawaii https://health.hawaii.gov/. The department delivers these programs through offices located on multiple islands https://health.hawaii.gov/.
To learn more about eligibility requirements for both SNAP and WIC programs in Hawaii visit snapandwic.hawaii.gov.
