SNAP

Dylan Moore of UHERO spoke with HPR about the potential effects of the SNAP benefits pause in the coming days, weeks and months.

A recent report from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa takes a hard look at the challenges faced by SNAP recipients and administrators on Oʻahu.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs approved over $6 million for a program to help Native Hawaiian beneficiaries impacted by the suspension of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps.

Dylan Moore with UHERO looks at the economic implications of the suspension of SNAP benefits; Longtime Mid-Pacific Institute baseball coach Dunn Muramaru and Hawaiʻi Pacific University head coach Dane Fujinaka discuss memorable moments from the World Series

In response to the federal government shutdown and its effects on SNAP food benefits, the state is setting aside $100 million to help eligible families with housing and utility payments.

In an informational briefing with state lawmakers Thursday, state officials and nonprofit representatives said the fallout and uncertainty from shifting federal policies make it difficult for farming operations to grow, or even continue.

Recipients between 55 and 64 years old, parents with children over 13 years old, people experiencing homelessness, and youth between 18 and 24 years old transitioning out of foster care will be required to work at least 80 hours a month to qualify for SNAP, formerly known as food stamps.

The state has more than $400 million in unspent federal funds for a program to help low-income families. HPR’s Ashley Mizuo reports on why and how it will be spent as Hawaiʻi faces cuts to federal social service programs.

Over 160,000 Hawaiʻi residents receive SNAP benefits every month. But new requirements and federal funding cuts to the program put many at risk of losing this assistance. HPR's Emma Caires has more.

The cuts impact the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, forcing states to pay for those cuts themselves, make changes to the program, or eliminate it altogether.