Department of Human Services

UPDATE – November 10, 2025
The Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Assistance Program (HEFAP) provided $250 per person in state funds to help families during this period of uncertainty. The HEFAP benefit has issued and should be available on EBT cards starting November 10, 2025. HEFAP benefits are restricted for the purchase of food. This support is intended to help households facing food insecurity due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

News Release 10/30/2025: GOVERNOR GREEN ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL COORDINATED RELIEF EFFORTS TO PROTECT HAWAI‘I FAMILIES FROM FEDERAL SHUTDOWN IMPACTS

What is the Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Assistance Program?
The Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Assistance Program (HEFAP) is a new state-sponsored food benefit that is separate from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit. HEFAP will provide a benefit of $250 per person in a household. The HEFAP will be restricted to purchase food and groceries at retail locations that accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

Households that were approved for November 2025 SNAP benefits as of the end of the federal government shutdown on November 12, 2025, will automatically receive HEFAP benefits. The department is currently assessing program developments related to the issuance of partial or full benefits.

Can you give an example of the HEFAP benefit based on my household size?
HEFAP benefits will be based on the household size for your November SNAP benefit.  For example:

November SNAP Household Size	HEFAP Benefit Amount
1	$250
2	$500
3	$750
4	$1,000
5	$1,250
6	$1,500
7	$1,750
8	$2,000

Is HEFAP a SNAP benefit?
No. HEFAP is a new state-sponsored food benefit, separate and distinct from SNAP. However, HEFAP will utilize the same EBT mechanism as SNAP and will be used to purchase food and groceries at retail locations that accept EBT.

Do I need to apply for HEFAP?
No application is required. Households that were approved for November 2025 SNAP benefits as of the end of the federal government shutdown on November 12, 2025, will automatically receive HEFAP benefits.

When will HEFAP benefits be issued?
DHS anticipates HEFAP benefits will be available for use for purchase of food and groceries effective Monday, November 10, 2025.  However, on the morning of November 6, 2025, eligible households will be able to VIEW the $250 per person HEFAP benefit on their EBT card through the EBT Edge online portal or mobile app that will be available on November 10, 2025.

What if I am not currently approved for November 2025 SNAP benefits?
While those not approved for November 2025 SNAP benefits will not receive HEFAB, DHS is continuing to process eligibility for SNAP and continuing to conduct interviews. Households not currently receiving SNAP are still able to apply for that benefit.

How long are HEFAP benefits available on my EBT card?
HEFAP benefits are available until December 31, 2025 and will be expunged on that date if HEFAP benefits are not used.

How do I learn more?
Starting November 10, 2025, SNAP recipients seeking information about the Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Assistance Program (HEFAP) can contact the Public Assistance Information Line, available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:15 PM.

Through the hotline, callers can check the status of their HEFAP benefits using the Virtual Agent or speak directly with a live agent for further assistance.

• Statewide:  1-855-643-1643
• Say “Emergency” or Press 7

 You may also continue to check for further updates on the DHS website at https://humanservices.hawaii.gov.

______________________________________________________

• Aloha United Way 2-1-1
  Aloha United Way is a SNAP outreach provider that maintains a database that can provide referrals to other helpful food resources in your community.
  • Statewide: 211

• Hawaiʻi Foodbank
  Hawaiʻi Foodbank works together with its network of food partner agencies to serve the needs of the community on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi.
  • Oʻahu: 808-836-3600
  • Kauaʻi: 808-482-2224

• Hawaii Island Food Basket
  The Food Basket is Hawaiʻi Island’s Food Bank. The website includes information on how to locate food resources, including food pantries and soup kitchens on Hawaiʻi island.
  • Hawaiʻi Island: 808-933-6030

• Maui Food Bank
  The mission of Maui Food Bank is to end hunger in Maui County. The Maui Food Bank distributes over 8 million pounds of food each year, including 2.3 million pounds of fresh produce.
  • Maui: 808-243-9500

• SNAP Outreach Providers
  DHS contracts eight different nonprofits throughout the state to conduct outreach to households eligible for SNAP benefits and to provide assistance with referrals to food resources in the community.