SUN Bucks Initiative Aims to Support Hawaiʻi Families in Need
Published: July 1, 2025
Category: Main
The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS) has launched its 2025 SUN Bucks program, designed to provide essential food benefits to families with school-aged children during the summer months. This initiative aims to combat food insecurity by ensuring that children have access to nutritious meals when school is not in session.
Since the program began issuing benefits in late May, over 79,000 eligible children throughout the state have received support, resulting in a total distribution of more than .9 million. The funds allocated through the SUN Bucks program can be utilized at local retailers participating in the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system, allowing families to purchase healthy food options.
The SUN Bucks program targets households with school-aged children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Eligibility for assistance must be confirmed annually, and families that have already received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are automatically enrolled, eliminating the need for additional applications. As a part of this year’s initiative, families approved for contributions will receive a newly branded EBT card by mail, with previous cards becoming invalid.
DHS Director Ryan Yamane emphasizes the collaborative effort with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education to ensure that the program effectively reaches its intended audience. “Through our partnership with the Department of Education, the SUN Bucks program will again help provide healthy meals to more than 100,000 school-aged children statewide, ensuring no child goes hungry during the summer,” he stated.
The SUN Bucks program is not only a state initiative but also leverages federal funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), underscoring the importance of intergovernmental collaboration in addressing food security challenges. This support is particularly crucial in Hawaiʻi, where many families face economic hardships.
As the application deadline for the 2025 SUN Bucks program approaches on August 3, families are encouraged to ensure their eligibility to benefit from the program. To learn more, interested individuals can visit the SUN Bucks website at sunbucks.dhs.hawaii.gov, or reach out by phone at 1-888-975-7328, or via email for assistance.
This program reflects a critical commitment by both state and federal entities to improve nutritional access for children during the summer months, working to alleviate food insecurity in Hawaiʻi and support the well-being of its keiki.
