Resources and Support for Hawai`i Residents Facing Food Insecurity

As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older adults—may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This disruption affects individuals living on fixed incomes, many of whom rely on SNAP to afford groceries and maintain their health.

You Are Not Alone

If you are facing food insecurity, know that help is available. Whether you need groceries, home-delivered meals, or someone to talk to, these resources are here to support you. You deserve dignity, nourishment, and peace of mind.

Check Your EBT Balance

The state Department of Human Services said the state issued full November benefits on Nov. 7, after a federal court ordered that benefits be paid. In addition a a $250 emergency relief payment per eligible person was loaded on EBT cards on Nov. 10.

A temporary funding bill has passed to reopen the government and should allow the state to resume paying food assistance at the normal time in December.

Unused SNAP benefits from previous months may still be available. Benefits usually stay on your card for up to 12 months. Visit your state’s EBT portal or call the number on the back of your card to check your balance.

Help With Rent and Utilities

The state will also provide funds for up to four months of housing and utility payments through the Hawai'i Relief Program to qualifying families with children facing financial hardship. Catholic Charities Hawai'i and Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. are administering the program.

The Hawaiian Council is administering the Office of Hawaiian Affairs $6.1 million Emergency Assistance Program for Native Hawaiian families who have lost or experienced reduced SNAP benefits and Native Hawaiian federal civilian workers who have been furloughed or experienced pay interruptions due to the shutdown. Go to www.hawaiiancoulcil.org/oha-relief to apply or call the Hawaiian Council at 808-596-8155.

The state is also giving $2 million to Hawai'i's food banks and $500,000 to the Farm to Families program to purchase locally produced food. Students who receive free breakfast and lunch at Hawai'i public schools will continue to be fed.

In Hawai`i:

• Call 2-1-1 - The Aloha United Way's 2-1-1 service can direct you to nearby food distribution events and provide information on services available to you.
• Hawai'i Relief Program for help paying rent and utilities
• Catholic Charities Hawai'i 808-521-4357, press 8 for the Hawai'i Relief Program or email hrp.help@catholiccharitieshawaii.org for Oahu, Kauai and Hawai'i County residents.
• Maui Economic Opportunity call 808-243-4357 or email Housing.utility@meoinc.org for Maui County residents.
• Aging and Disability Resource Centers
• Local Churches and Faith-Based Organizations – Check local listings
• Banks, Credit Unions and utilities are also offering assistance and payment deferrals. Check with your institutions.

Food Assistance by County:

Oahu:

• The Hawai'i Food Bank
• Lanakila Pacific
• Hawai'i Meals on Wheels

Maui County:

• Maui Food Bank
• Kaunoa Senior Services

Hawai'i County:

• The Food Basket
• Hawai'i County Nutrition Program

Kaua'i County:

• Hawai'i Foodbank Kaua'i
• Kaua'i Independent Food Bank
• Kaua'i North Shore Food Pantry
• Kaua'i Economic Opportunity

20251024 Oahu Food Assistance Handout 7.30 Am (2) by AARP Hawaii


Nationwide resources:

• AARP Foundation Help Locator: https://local.aarpfoundation.org/
• Feeding America Food Bank Locator - https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
• Hunger Free America - https://findfood.hungerfreeamerica.org
• Food Finder Interactive Map - https://foodfinder.us/
• WhyHunger Find Food Database - https://whyhunger.org/find-food
• Meals on Wheels America: Delivers nutritious meals directly to homes. Find a provider - https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
• Little Free Pantries - https://www.thelittlefreepantries.org/
• Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): These agencies often coordinate food delivery, congregate meals, and other support services. Find your local AAA - https://eldercare.acl.gov/home

National Hotlines for Immediate Help

• National Hunger Hotline: Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish)
• WhyHunger Hotline: Call 1-800-5-HUNGRY or text your ZIP code to 1-800-548-6479
• Call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org to connect with local food programs.