SNAP / EBT Program Available at Kauai Farmers Markets
Sunshine Farmers Market in Kapaa. Daniel Lane photo
Malama Kauai, in partnership with the County of Kauai’s Office of Economic Development, will provide access for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to shop at select Kauai sunshine markets through their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system starting on Monday, July 7, 2014.
SNAP participants will be able to exchange funds from their EBT card for “Kauai Cash” tokens which will allow them to purchase eligible food items at authorized vendor booths identified with an “EBT Tokens Accepted Here” sign at their booth. These tokens serve as the official form of currency for purchases within the program. All others, including the former wooden ones, will not be accepted. Look for the “Get Your Tokens Here” sign identifying the Malama Kauai EBT booth at the following markets:
WEEKLY:
Kapaa Market – Wednesdays, 2:30pm
Lihue Market – Fridays, 2:30pm
FIRST TWO WEEKS OF THE MONTH (on or after the 5th):
Koloa Market – Mondays, 11:30am
Hanapepe Market – Thursdays, 2:30pm
Kilauea Market – Thursdays, 4:00pm
Times listed are 30 minutes prior to official opening of each market to allow SNAP participants to line up for their favorite vendors in time for the start of the market.
“We are proud to support this program for the people and farmers of Kauai,” says Malama Kauai Executive Director, Keone Kealoha. “Having these benefits available at farmers markets will provide increased access to fresh, healthy and local foods – supporting those that most need them while giving our local farmers and producers additional revenue. It’s a win-win. It’s a program we hope to see continue well into the future.”
This program is funded for 2014 by the County of Kauai’s Office of Economic Development and may be contingent upon funding for continued program delivery.
To find out if you qualify for EBT/SNAP or to enroll, visit the Hawaii SNAP Program Website, call 274-3371, or visit the East Kauai Processing Center at 3060 Eiwa Street, Room 103, Lihue.
Interested farmers and food producers who vend at the listed County Sunshine Markets can apply to participate in the program by contacting Sasha Figueira at sasha@malamakauai.org or 652-4823. Forms are also available on the Malama Kauai website.