Three key programs to provide nutritious meals for keiki this summer

Three key food programs can help families ensure children continue to have healthy meals over the summer.

These summer nutrition programs are federally funded and administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, Hawaiʻi Child Nutrition Programs, the Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services, as well as numerous community programs serving children and youth across the state.

“This summer there will be over 200 summer food locations, statewide, including schools, parks, and community centers,” said Diane Tabangay, anti-hunger advocate at Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network. “We want to thank our state agency, Hawaiʻi Child Nutrition Programs, Hawaiʻi Department of Education’s School Food Service Branch and all of our meal-serving partners for their hard work and dedicated efforts to ensure keiki have access to nutrition meals, especially when school is out.”

For more information on all three programs, visit the Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network resource hub online.

SUN Bucks: $189 Per Child for Groceries

Eligible families can receive $189 per child to purchase groceries through the SUN Bucks program administered by the Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services.

This benefit helps families fill the summer meal gap at home and can be used at participating grocery stores and farmers’ markets. Most eligible families will automatically receive SUN Bucks food-purchasing cards in the mail in early June, with no need to apply.

The SUN Bucks program will operate through Aug. 2, 2026. For FAQs and program details, visit the Department of Human Services website.

Free Eat-On-Site Keiki Meals Available Across Hawaiʻi

Eat-on-site keiki meals are available at schools, parks, libraries, and other community locations across the state.

Any child or teen 18 years old or younger can receive a free meal—no registration or ID required. These meals are served in safe, supervised spaces where children can eat together.

“No child in Hawaiʻi should go hungry just because school is out,” said Laura Zysman, director of Keiki Nutrition at the Hawaiʻi Foodbank. “These summer meal programs help ease the burden on families while keeping our keiki healthy and nourished. They provide essential meals now, and help build healthier communities for the future.”

For locations as well as operating dates and times, families can browse the Hawai‘i Afterschool Alliance’s 2026 Summer Programs + Meals map.

Kaukau 4 Keiki Free Summer Meal Kits

Families with keiki in eligible areas can apply for Kaukau 4 Keiki, which provides free weekly meal kits containing fresh, local, and nutritious food.

The program also supports Hawaiʻi’s agricultural economy by sourcing ingredients from local farmers and vendors. To check eligibility and apply, visit the Kaukau 4 Keiki website.

“For many ʻohana on the Waiʻanae Coast, summer can be a challenging time when school meals are unavailable or when ʻohana aren’t able to bring their keiki to a cafeteria meal site,” said Avary Maunakea, executive director of Kahumana. “Kaukau 4 Keiki demonstrates what is possible when communities come together to care for one another. Through partnerships with local farmers, food hubs, vendors, and organizations, we are increasing access to healthy food today while helping build a more resilient and self-sufficient food system for Hawaiʻi tomorrow.”

For more information on programs, visit hawaiifoodhelp.com/summer-programs.