Food Basket to Receive $5 Million in USDA Grants

The Food Basket, Inc., Hawai´i Island’s Food Bank, will receive $5 million in Nutrition Incentive Grants from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to continue to build capacity in the DA BUX Double Up Food Bucks program.

“The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of investing in Hawai´i’s local food systems,” said Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai´i). “The DA BUX program gets Hawai´i-grown produce from farms to those who need it at an affordable price, and The Food Basket has done incredible work growing the program. I look forward to seeing their continued success with this investment.”

The DA BUX Double Up Food Bucks program works with 81 participating retailers all across the state to double the purchasing power of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants by providing Hawai´i-grown fruits and vegetables at 50% of their normal cost.

A 2019 USDA award allowed the DA BUX program to triple SNAP household access to participating food retailers. In addition, the program helps increase Hawai´i’s food security and supports local farmers by incentivizing program participants to buy local.

The Food Basket, Inc. has provided food for residents of Hawai´i Island since 1989. To read more about the DA BUX program or to sign up for an access card, visit www.dabux.org.