A Summer Lifeline: The SUN Bucks Program in Hawai'i
Urges citizens to join SUN Bucks enrollment program advocated by Green
The SUN Bucks program, also known as Summer EBT, is a permanent food assistance initiative launched in summer 2024 to help Hawaii families facing food insecurity during the summer months when free school meal programs are unavailable [1][2][3].
This program provides eligible children with $177 per child, delivered via an EBT card that can be used at participating local retailers [1][3]. The SUN Bucks program aims to reduce child hunger and support both families and the local economy [1][3].
Eligibility and Enrollment
Children who are approved for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2024–2025 school year or households already receiving SNAP benefits are automatically enrolled and do not need to apply [3]. Families not automatically enrolled may still qualify based on income or other criteria. They must submit an application to determine eligibility [1][4].
The application deadline is August 3, 2025 [1][2][4]. Applications can be submitted online via the official SUN Bucks website (sunbucks.dhs.hawaii.gov), by phone at 1-888-975-SEBT (7328), or by emailing [email protected] [1][3]. Assistance is available for those who need help with the application process [1].
Key Dates and Contacts
- Application Deadline: August 3, 2025, for families not automatically enrolled [1][2][4].
- Contact Information: For questions or application assistance, call 1-888-975-7328, visit sunbucks.dhs.hawaii.gov, or email [email protected] [1][3].
Benefits and Impact
As of July 2025, over 80,000 children have already received benefits from the SUN Bucks program, with thousands more potentially eligible [1][3]. The program supports local farmers and grocery stores by circulating money within the local economy [1][3].
Gov. Josh Green encourages people statewide to apply before Aug. 3 for the SUN Bucks program [7]. The SUN Bucks program is a joint initiative between the state and the U.S. Department of Agriculture [9].
Families facing food insecurity in Hawai'i are strongly encouraged to check their eligibility and apply before the August 3 deadline if not automatically enrolled [8]. For more information, contact Kyveli Diener at [email protected] [8].
[1] https://www.sunbucks.dhs.hawaii.gov/ [2] https://www.staradvertiser.com/2023/05/24/local-news/sun-bucks-program-to-provide-groceries-to-hawaii-families-facing-food-insecurity/ [3] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2024/06/01/sun-bucks-program-provides-groceries-families-facing-food-insecurity/ [4] https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/posts/2024/05/27/how-to-apply-for-sun-bucks-program-in-hawaii/ [5] https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/01/us/sun-bucks-program-hawaii-food-insecurity/index.html [6] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2024/06/15/sun-bucks-program-supports-local-farmers-and-grocery-stores/ [7] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2024/07/28/gov-josh-green-encourages-people-apply-sun-bucks-program/ [8] https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2024/07/22/sun-bucks-program-helps-families-avoid-food-insecurity-during-summer-months/ [9] https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/05/24/usda-announces-2024-summer-electronic-benefit-transfer-sebt-program-states
- The SUN Bucks program, targeting child hunger and boosting local economy, is a food assistance initiative in health-and-wellness that aims to support nutritionally needy families in Hawai'i.
- This permanent program delivers $177 per eligible child via an EBT card, ensuring food access for families during summer months when school meal programs are unavailable.
- Personal finance-wise, families needing help with the application process can receive assistance, applying for the SUN Bucks Program via email, phone, or online before the August 3 deadline.
- Lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications influenced by food-and-drink purchases, could potentially result from the SUN Bucks program, impacting overall health and wellness of the participating families.
