Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Governor Josh Green, M.D., First Lady Jaime Kanani Green, and Department of Human Services (DHS) Director Ryan Yamane gathered today to raise awareness about the SUN Bucks Summer EBT program and encourage eligible families to apply before the approaching August 3, 2025, deadline.
SUN Bucks is a new and permanent program providing $177 per eligible child in food benefits. It aims to support families during summer months when access to school meals is limited, helping to bridge the summer nutrition gap for children across the islands. This program is a joint effort between the State of Hawaiʻi and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Governor Green emphasized the program’s importance, stating, “Today is about something simple, but incredibly important — making sure our children have enough to eat. SUN Bucks is a reminder that when we invest in our keiki, we invest in the future of our state. These benefits don’t just help families — they strengthen our local economy by putting dollars directly into our grocery stores, farmers markets and food systems.”
First Lady Green, who has championed the effort since its 2024 launch, highlighted her commitment to ending childhood hunger. “In Hawaiʻi, we care for one another — we mālama our keiki, our kūpuna and our ‘ohana,” she said. “SUN Bucks reflects those values. It’s about ensuring every child has what they need nutritionally to grow and thrive — not just during the school year, but all year long. No child in Hawaiʻi should ever go hungry and this program helps us live up to that kuleana.”
According to DHS, over 80,000 children statewide have already received benefits, totaling more than $14 million in food assistance. However, thousands more families may still be eligible.
DHS Director Yamane noted the program’s progress but stressed the need to reach more families. “If your child was approved for free or reduced-price meals, or your family received SNAP or TANF, you’re already eligible and don’t need to apply. But if you’re not sure, don’t wait — visit sunbucks.dhs.hawaii.gov or call 1-888-975-7328. We’re here to help.”
Eligible families who do not automatically qualify have until August 3, 2025, to submit an application. Qualifying households will receive cards mailed to them, which can be used anywhere EBT is accepted, including local farmers markets through the Da Bux program.
For more information or to apply, visit sunbucks.dhs.hawaii.gov or call 1-888-975-SEBT (7328).