All Foodland stores statewide now part of ‘DA BUX’ Double Up Food Bucks program

The “DA BUX” Double Up Food Bucks program — which helps people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits put more fresh and locally-grown fruits and vegetables on their dinner tables — has expanded to include all Foodland locations throughout Hawaiʻi.

That includes 4 Big Island Foodland locations:

• Sack N’ Save Hilo, located at 250 Kino‘ole St. in Hilo.
• Sack N’ Save Pūʻainakō, located at 2100 Kanoelehua Ave. in Hilo.
• Foodland Farms Mauna Lani, located at 1330 Mauna Lani Drive in Waikōloa.
• Foodland Waimea, located at 67-1185 Hawai‘i Belt Road in Waimea.

Foodland is one of the top three most visited grocery stores for those who receive benefits through SNAP — still often commonly referred to as food stamps — and reaches a large segment of the target audience of “DA BUX.”

“Many [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] shoppers already prefer Foodland as their grocery store of choice, making this expansion a crucial step in improving participation and ensuring that more families have access to fresh, locally-grown food,” said the Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island’s food bank, in an announcement about expanding the prgram.

The Food Basket, which administers “DA BUX” statewide, added that expanding the food supplement program to include all Foodland stores in the islands will help reach a larger segment of the program’s users, eliminating confusion and barriers at checkout.

SNAP recipients who get “DA BUX” benefits receive an access card they swipe before their electronic benefits transfer, or EBT, card at checkout to get 50% off qualifying fruits and vegetables grown in Hawaiʻi at participating grocery stores.

The state in 2024 allocated $1.5 million to “DA BUX” — the largest state investment in the program’s history — ensuring greater financial stability for the program.

“DA BUX” also continues to rely on federal funds through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, which requires a 100% match from local, non-federal sources.

The program, with its current funding and statewide support, is secure through the end of 2026; however, ongoing fundraising efforts remain critical to sustaining and expanding the program.

The Food Basket said additional expansions are planned, with new food hubs and grocery stores set to join the program later this year.

There are 37 stores on the Big Island that participate in the “DA BUX” program, including:

• Hawaiʻi Farm-To-Car by Hoʻōla Farms sites at Puna Hongwanji Mission in Keaʻau, ʻŌnomea Farm Stand in Pepeʻekeo and Mohouli Heights Senior Housing in Hilo.
• Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative in Hilo.
• Keauhou Farmers Market in Keauhou.
• Kohala Food Hub in Hāwī.
• KTA Super Stores in Downtown Hilo, Hilo Pūʻainakō store, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Kona, Waikōloa and Waimea.
• Mālama Markets in Honokaʻa, Pāhoa and Ocean View.
• Several “DA BUX” program pick-up locations around the island.

While no federal funding freezes are in place, “DA BUX” leadership continues to strategically plan for long-term sustainability.

Visit the “DA BUX” Double Up Food Bucks program website for additional information and to learn if the program can benefit you and your family.