MEDIA RELEASE

As summer approaches, the Department of Human Services (DHS) reminds low-income individuals and families they can use their SNAP benefits at specific Farmers’ Markets and the City’s People’s Open Markets (POMs) to purchase fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables. SNAP beneficiaries also can purchase breads and cereals, meats, fish, poultry and dairy products at open markets, as well as seeds and plants that produce food that can be eaten.

Pineapples at Makuu Farmers Market in Puna. Hawaii 24/7 File Photo

SNAP is the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly known as “food stamps.” SNAP recipients who use their SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer cards (SNAP-EBT) at Farmers’ Markets and POMs gain additional access to affordable fresh produce.

“The City and County of Honolulu’s People’s Open Market is proud to announce the availability of EBT at various markets around Oahu,” said Sharon Tomita, Special Services Coordinator who oversees the People’s Open Market. “The City and County of Honolulu currently has four sites accepting EBT. On Tuesdays, we’re at Waipahu District Park and Wahiawa District Park; on Friday, at Ewa Beach Community Park and on Saturday, we’re at the Kalihi Street parking lot at (Kalakaua District Park).”

Hawaii participation in SNAP is currently at a historic high. An average of 94,649 households per month received SNAP benefits in FY 2013. An average of 187,062 individuals per month received SNAP; and the State of Hawaii issued an average of $484.9 million per year in SNAP benefits.

In February 2014, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded Hawaii a $724,134 bonus for the most improved SNAP Program Access Index (PAI) in the Unites States. The PAI Index measures the average number of number of low-income persons, at or below 125% of the federal poverty line, who receive SNAP benefits. In 2012, the PAI index ranked Hawaii as the 11th best performing state in the nation with participation rate of 88%.

In addition to ensuring that SNAP beneficiaries have access to fresh food, the ability to process EBT cards also benefits open market vendors and our local farmers. Every $5.00 in SNAP benefits generates $9.00 in community spending. The DHS EBT Office has been working with Farmers’ Markets to assist with the purchasing of EBT equipment and operating the devices.

To learn more about the Hawaii SNAP and EBT programs, visit the DHS website www.humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/snap. To apply for an EBT Point of Service call (808) 586-5739 or email ghayes@dhs.hawaii.gov.

To learn more about the Honolulu People’s Open Market (POM) Program, visit http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/dprpom.html. To learn more about EBT use at Farmers’ Markets visit the US Food and Nutrition Service http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap

Statewide Listing of Open Markets that Accept EBT Cards