Gov. David Ige signed a fifth emergency proclamation Thursday extending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotment benefits through Jan. 16, 2023. The program is backed by federal COVID-19 relief funding.
“Food insecurity is just one of the lingering effects of the pandemic, and SNAP benefits provide Hawaii families with nutritious food,” Ige in a press release. “This emergency proclamation ensures food security through the holidays. I urge families in need to sign up for SNAP so they can get this federal assistance.”
The SNAP program provides food and nutritional support to qualifying households, and those making the transition from public assistance to self-sufficiency. SNAP is managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is the largest food nutrition assistance program in the country.
The state Department of Human Services reminds the public that the federal government requires recipients of SNAP and Financial Assistance Programs to recertify, or renew, their eligibility annually (for most households) to receive continued benefits.
To apply for or renew SNAP benefits, visit https://pais-benefits.dhs.hawaii.gov/.
For more information about applications and renewals, please call the Public Assistance Toll Free Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.