Also referred to as “EBT” and formerly known as “food stamps,” SNAP benefits are now accepted at many farmers markets in Hawaii. SNAP can be used to purchase any food item that is meant to be prepared at home, including fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, breads, honey, edible plant starts (vegetable and herb), and other foods. No hot foods or ready-to-eat foods that are meant to be eaten on-site may be purchased with SNAP.
Though SNAP benefits are contained on a card similar to a debit card, many Hawaii farmers markets are able to accept SNAP cards through a centralized wireless terminal using their own market currency. Simply swipe your EBT card at the terminal located at the market’s information booth and decide how much you would like to have withdrawn from your account. The person at the information table will give you the amount you asked for in $1 or $5 tokens that can be spent on eligible foods with participating vendors at the market.
- To find out if your family is eligible for SNAP benefits, or to sign up, visit DHS’s SNAP page.
- To find out which Hawaii farmers markets accept SNAP, visit our Hawaii Farmers Market Directory and look for “SNAP/EBT Accepted”.
- Markets interested in learning more about offering SNAP benefits at their market can find great tool kits on our Market Manager Resources page.