More Assistance Available for Those Impacted by Kīlauea

“This program offers hope to many families impacted by the ongoing Kīlauea eruption,” said Congresswoman Hanabusa.

More than 1,800 new households impacted by the continuing Kīlauea eruption may be eligible to receive more than $460,000 in food benefits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), the USDA announced on Thursday, July 19, 2018.

Based on local damage assessments, up to 1,866 new households may apply for a projected $461,928 in food support. And 3,697 ongoing SNAP households are eligible to apply for an additional $183,038 in benefits.

The State Department of Human Services will accept D-SNAP applications for 7 non-consecutive days, beginning on July 25 through July 27, 2018, then resuming on July 30 through August 2. The primary application site will be the South Hilo Processing Center, with a supplemental application site at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center. Each will be open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“This program offers hope to many families impacted by the ongoing Kīlauea eruption,” said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa. “The activity in Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone has slowed the local economy, putting workers and businesses at risk. People are trying to survive and move forward. Making sure everyone has enough to eat is a critical part of that process. Thank you to the USDA and our local partners for your continued support of Hawai‘i Island.”