Hawaiʻi Island Comes Together to Support Families During the SNAP Disruption

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As Hawaiʻi Island prepares for the temporary pause of SNAP benefits on November 1, and with the ongoing federal government shutdown affecting local workers, Vibrant Hawaiʻi’s Resilience Network is mobilizing to lessen the impact on families and ensure support reaches those most in need.

The Resilience Network—made up of Resilience Hubs, Points of Distribution partners, Social Service Navigators, and members of the Resilience Alliance—has launched an islandwide response to coordinate food and financial support. By identifying where and when resources will be available, Vibrant Hawaiʻi is helping to align efforts, fill gaps, and reach every community.

“This is what aloha in action looks like,” said Janice Ikeda, CEO of Vibrant Hawaiʻi. “When challenges arise, our community rises with care and collaboration. We know how to take care of one another, and this is a time when we need everyone’s kōkua.”

Based on early assessments, Vibrant Hawaiʻi will focus initial efforts in underserved areas of the island where families may experience greater impacts from the SNAP disruption. The organization is purchasing locally sourced produce, proteins, and shelf-stable food to serve approximately 1,800 residents during the first three weeks of November.

At the same time, Vibrant Hawaiʻi’s Social Service Navigators are expanding outreach to assist residents applying for the State-funded Rental Assistance Program. Working alongside community health workers and frontline providers, the Resilience Network plans to host an islandwide training to help ensure that families in financial distress can access help quickly.

To help residents and partners stay informed, Vibrant Hawaiʻi is launching a centralized online resource hub at www.vibranthawaii.org/community-response. The page will include current updates on food distributions, financial aid, and community-led resources, offering a single, reliable source of information islandwide.

While coordination is underway, this response depends on community kōkua. Donations are urgently needed to sustain response efforts and ensure support reaches those most affected. Every contribution strengthens our island’s collective capacity to care for one another.

To make a financial donation, please visit www.vibranthawaii.org/donate. 

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, please sign up at bit.ly/alohainaction to help.

For coordination or partnership inquiries, contact contact@vibranthawaii.org or visit www.vibranthawaii.org.