Get the latest details on Hawaii’s SUN Bucks summer program providing $540 per eligible child for food support in August Relief 2025. Find out who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect, with a quick FAQ and scheme highlights.
Hawaii’s SUN Bucks Program: Your Family Guide to Summer Food Support
When you picture Hawaii, stunning beaches, pineapples, and warm island spirit might come to mind. But paradise isn’t perfect for everyone. With the high cost of living impacting families, Hawaii is stepping up once again to help local children and their parents through the summer. Here’s your people-first guide to the SUN Bucks summer payment and how you can make sure your family gets the help you deserve.
What is the SUN Bucks Payment?
The SUN Bucks program is a new, permanent initiative launched in 2024. Backed by both the State of Hawaii and the US Department of Agriculture, its mission is to reduce food insecurity for children during school breaks. This year, starting August, families who qualify will receive $540 for each eligible child to help cover the cost of groceries when school meals aren’t available.
Why This Matters for Hawaii’s Families
No child should go hungry—period. That’s the driving belief behind SUN Bucks. For many, the summer months are exciting, but also worrying. School lunches and breakfasts disappear, and with food costs rising, filling the gap isn’t always easy. Governor Josh Green put it best:
“Today is about something simple, but incredibly important — making sure our children have enough to eat … These benefits don’t just help families — they strengthen our local economy by putting dollars directly into our grocery stores, farmers markets and food systems.”
So far, over 80,000 children have already received their SUN Bucks payment, totaling over $14 million in food support—yet many more still qualify.
Who Automatically Qualifies for SUN Bucks?
In Hawaii, if you fall into one of these categories, your child is already set to receive the $120 SUMMER EBT benefit, no extra paperwork required:
Children from families who receive SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR benefits
Families on any other income-based public benefit program
Students attending a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
Families eligible for free or reduced-price school meals
If your child fits any of these, relax—the SUN Bucks benefit will be automatically loaded onto your SNAP account, sent as a separate EBT card, or handled according to your situation.
How to Apply if You Aren’t Enrolled
Not everyone who qualifies is automatically enrolled. If you think you meet the income criteria, you must submit your application to Hawaii’s SUN Bucks agency. The deadline to apply is August 3, 2025.
It’s straightforward:
Check if your household income meets the limits for free/reduced-priced school meals.
Apply directly on the Hawaii DHS site or through the designated SUN Bucks platform.
After approval, you’ll receive instructions on using your benefits.
These funds work everywhere EBT cards are accepted, including local markets through Hawaii’s Da Bux program.
How Will My Family Receive the Benefits?
Once approved, your $540 per child will be sent in one of these ways:
Directly to your household’s SNAP account
On a new, separate EBT card mailed to you
Or another method designated by the DHS
Use your card just like any EBT card—for groceries, fresh produce, or at participating markets.
Key Details at a Glance – Scheme Summary
| Program Name | SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) |
|---|---|
| Year Introduced | 2024 |
| Benefit Amount | $540 per eligible child |
| Who Qualifies | SNAP/TANF/FDPIR recipients, students at NSLP/SBP schools, families qualifying for free/reduced lunch, & income-based public benefits [automatic or by application] |
| Distribution | Loaded to SNAP, separate EBT card, or designated method |
| Deadline | August 3, 2025 (for application) |
| Funds Usable At | All EBT-accepting grocers, Da Bux farmers markets |
| Current Reach | 80,000+ children, $14 million+ distributed |
Why SUN Bucks and Summer EBT Matter Now
With inflation making groceries pricier, SUN Bucks comes at exactly the right time for Hawaii’s working families. Feeding your children shouldn’t be a luxury, and this support ensures that summer is something your keiki can look forward to—not just worry about missing meals. Plus, when you spend your benefits, you’re also helping Hawaii’s local food systems stay strong.
How to Get More Information
For most, benefits are handled automatically. But if you do need to apply, reach out to the Hawaii DHS or visit their website for forms and accurate income guidelines. Staying up to date is important—details may change, so always consult official channels for the latest instructions.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my child is automatically enrolled?
If your family receives SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or your child’s school participates in the National School Lunch/Breakfast Program, you’re automatically enrolled.
2. What if I missed the automatic enrollment but still need help?
Submit an application by August 3, 2025, if your family income meets eligibility. Visit the Hawaii DHS site for specifics.
3. Can the SUN Bucks card be used at local farmer’s markets?
Yes! Use your card at stores and farmer’s markets that accept EBT, including the Da Bux program, to get fresh produce and more.
