The state Department of Human Services is reminding families to use their emergency food assistance benefits before they expire at the end of this year.
Households that qualified for the Hawaii Emergency Food Assistance Program (HEFAP) received a one-time boost of $250 per person. This added money is separate from regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. According to the DHS, any HEFAP funds that go unused will vanish on December 31 and cannot be carried over into 2026 or reissued.
Joseph Campos II, the DHS deputy director, emphasized the importance of these funds: “These resources were designed to help families during this tough time. We urge households to use their HEFAP balance so every bit of support counts.”
It’s worth noting that unused HEFAP balances will be wiped out at the year’s end. Unlike SNAP benefits, which were issued in November, HEFAP funds are meant strictly for food purchases. Almost all eligible households across the state can access this assistance.
Families can check their HEFAP balance through the EBT Edge mobile app or the online portal. If you have questions, you can contact the DHS Public Assistance Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.
In 2022, the USDA reported that food insecurity affected around 10.5% of U.S. households. With rising costs of living, programs like HEFAP are crucial for helping families meet their nutritional needs. Let’s make sure to use these benefits wisely!
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