Aloha,

This week Governor Josh Green and First Lady Jaime Kanani Green spoke to the media to raise awareness about the SUN Bucks Summer EBT program and encourage families to apply before the fast-approaching August 3, 2025 deadline.
  George Lee / Honolulu Star-Advertiser

SUN Bucks is a new and permanent program that provides $177 per eligible child in food benefits to help families during the summer months when access to school meals is limited.

The program is a joint effort between the state of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Agriculture that aims to bridge the summer nutrition gap for keiki across the islands.

“Today is about something simple, but incredibly important — making sure our children have enough to eat,” Governor Green said. “SUN Bucks is a reminder that when we invest in our keiki, we invest in the future of our state. 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.”

First Lady Jaime Green, who has championed the effort since its launch last year, emphasized her commitment to ending childhood hunger across Hawaii.

“In Hawaii, we care for one another — we malama our keiki, our kupuna and our ohana,” Jaime said. “SUN Bucks reflects those values. It’s about ensuring every child has what they need nutritionally to grow and thrive — not just during the school year, but all year long. No child in Hawaii should ever go hungry and this program helps us live up to that kuleana.”

According to DHS, more than 80,000 children statewide have already received benefits, representing over $14 million in food assistance — but thousands more may still be eligible.

If your child was approved for free or reduced-price meals, or your family received SNAP or TANF, you’re already eligible and don’t need to apply — but if you’re not sure, please visit sunbucks.dhs.hawaii.gov or call 1-888-975-7328.

Eligible families that don’t automatically qualify have until August 3, 2025, to submit an application — cards are mailed to qualifying households and can be used anywhere EBT is accepted, including local farmers markets through the Da Bux program.

If you support Josh’s efforts to end childhood hunger in Hawaii, please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Mahalo,

Team Green