U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono has announced the allocation of $8.4 million to support The Food Basket, a food bank located on Hawaii Island. This funding aims to enhance food and nutrition security in the region by supporting the "DA BUX" program. The initiative is a collaboration with local food retailers to make locally grown fruits and vegetables more affordable for individuals using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.
Senator Hirono emphasized the importance of access to nutritious and affordable food, stating, "Every household deserves access to healthy and affordable food and this funding is an important investment in the well-being of our communities." She highlighted that programs like DA BUX assist thousands in Hawaii by providing access to fresh produce, thereby improving community health and supporting local agriculture.
The funding stems from provisions included in the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act of 2024, commonly referred to as the "Farm Bill," which Senator Hirono played a role in securing earlier this year. The bill includes an increase in funding for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), which serves as a primary source of funds for Hawaii's DA BUX program. This program offers SNAP-EBT cardholders a 50% discount on Hawaii-grown produce at participating grocery stores and food hubs.
Further details about the funded projects are available online.