Neighbors Feeding Neighbors

AN ABUNDANT COMMUNITY

KKV is helping our families the way true neighbors do — with kindness, respect and aloha. As federal furloughs and SNAP suspensions impact our community, we’re coming together to make sure every table is filled and every heart is nourished. In our small ʻili of the island we are cultivating abundance in every way we know how.

Below are a list of resources for those in need. Please share these resources with anyone you know who may be experiencing hardship.

Last updated: November 24, 2025

Navigating SNAP

SNAP & the Federal Shutdown

The Hawai‘i Department of Human Services (DHS) continues to closely monitor the federal government shutdown and its impact on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).   SNAP benefits are available for use on a household’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card for those who were approved for November 2025. Visit the link to keep up to date on SNAP benefits and to see what you should do to ensure you maintain your benefits.

Changes to SNAP start Nov 1

The Hawai‘i Department of Human Services (DHS) is mobilizing to support communities ahead of new federal work requirements for SNAP recipients, effective November 1, 2025. The revised federal rules will now subject the following groups to work or training requirements:

• Adults ages 55 to 64

• Adult household members with a dependent child aged 14 or older

• Veterans

• People experiencing homelessness

• Youth ages 18 to 24 transitioning from foster care

Click the link learn more about the changes to SNAP.

Apply for SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered at the federal level through its Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Households must meet specific eligibility requirements and provide proof of their statements about household circumstances. Visit the link to learn more.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Hawaiʻi Foodbank

The Hawaiʻi Foodbank has more than 200 partner agencies providing access to food. Find a soup kitchen or food pantry near you. You may need to participate in a pre-screening process to determine eligibility.

Hawaiʻi Relief Program

Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, in partnership with the State of Hawai‘i’s Department of Human Services, is offering housing assistance to eligible applicants experiencing financial hardship.

Eligible applicants may receive up to four months of financial assistance, including:

• Rent/mortgage: up to $6,000/month 

• Security deposit: actual housing deposit amount up to the maximum of $6,000

• Utility assistance: $2,000/month per utility source

• Utility deposit: up to $3,000 / per utility source 

 Payments are made directly to landlords, mortgage lenders, or utility providers.

Click on the links to the left to learn more about the program in Chuukese, Ilokano, Marshallese, Samoan and Tagalog.

Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Benefit

The Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Benefit (HEFB) is a new state-sponsored food benefit that is separate from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit. The Hawaiʻi Emergency Food Assistance Program (HEFAP) provided $250 per person in state funds to help families during this period of uncertainty. The HEFAB has issued and should be available on EBT cards starting November 10, 2025. Please note: HEFAP funds will be used first before federal SNAP funds when making purchases. It is restricted for the purchase of food. This support is intended to help households facing food insecurity due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

OHA’s Emergency Relief Fund

Starting Monday, November 10, eligible applicants can visit Hawaiiancouncil.org/oha-relief for full details and to access the online application portal. The site will feature two separate applications:

• Native Hawaiians who have lost or experienced reduced SNAP benefits, and

• Native Hawaiian federal civilian workers who have been furloughed or are experiencing pay interruptions due to the current federal shutdown.