Governor Ige Continues Emergency Food Benefits that Began during Pandemic

Hawaiʻi Gov. David Ige signed a fourth emergency proclamation to allow the continuation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program emergency benefits that were implemented to address the federal COVID-19 pandemic.

The SNAP emergency food benefits have been extended through Nov. 18, 2022.

“Food insecurity is just one of the lingering effects of the pandemic, and SNAP benefits provide Hawaiʻi families with nutritious food,” Gov. Ige said in a news release. “It’s important for families to reach out so they can get the help they need.”

The SNAP program provides crucial food and nutritional support to qualifying low-income and needy households, and those making the transition from public assistance to self-sufficiency.

In Hawaiʻi, the Benefit, Employment & Support Services Division of the Department of Human Services administers the program and remains committed to providing food security for individuals and families in the state.

SNAP is managed by the US Department of Agriculture and is the largest food nutrition assistance program in the country. The state reminds the public that the federal government requires recipients of SNAP and Financial Assistance Programs to renew their eligibility annually (for most households) to receive continued benefits.

Households are now able to upload required documents at https://pais-benefits.dhs.hawaii.gov/.

However, renewal interviews should be completed via telephone, and recipients needing assistance with this process or information about the status of their recertification should call the Public Assistance Toll Free Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.