A new temporary waiver has been approved for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients, which will expand food options.
The change, passed by the Hawaii Department of Human Services and approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, aims to help households impacted by the March 2026 Kona Low Weather events.
The waiver will allow SNAP recipients to purchase hot foods at authorized retailers, and thousands of recipients should benefit from the move.
Why It Matters
Typically, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase hot or prepared foods. This temporary waiver though will allow eligible households to purchase hot meals, as those impacted from the recent weather disaster may be unable to cook or safety store food due to the impacts of the Kona Low weather systems.
A Kona Low is a type of cyclone that usually forms in the winter months near Hawaii, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
In March, Hawaii faced severe Kona low storms, which caused historic flooding and widespread damage. Over three weeks of back-to-back storms, two trillion gallons of water fell across Hawaii, according to The Weather Network.
After the storms, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration, a decision which will unlock federal aid to help cover damage and tourism related losses.
What To Know
BESSD (Benefit, Employment & Support Services Division), the division which is in charge of securing SNAP benefits, said that the hot foods include: Safeway hot prepared chicken and Foodland hot food bar.
SNAP recipients can purchase hot foods at authorized retailers, which include EBT. This includes: Foodland, ABC Stores, Safeway and Costco.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service approved the waiver. The change will be implemented from April 17 through to May 16.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green said in a press release that this “waiver provides immediate, practical relief for families across Hawaiʻi who are still recovering from the recent storms.”
He added: “By allowing the purchase of hot meals with SNAP benefits, we’re helping ensure that residents who may not have access to cooking facilities can still put food on the table as they recover.”
Department of Human Services Deputy Director Joseph Campos said in a press release that the “authorized SNAP retailers across Hawaiʻi have been notified of the waiver and may begin accepting SNAP benefits for eligible hot food purchases during the approved period.”
“Retailers will require 24 to 48 hours from April 17 to make necessary updates to their point-of-sale systems to support hot food purchases,” Campos said.
What Happens Next
The initiative will be in place until May 16.
Future relief efforts for those impacted by the severe weather events remain to be seen.
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