U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) on Monday announced $8.4 million in funding for The Food Basket, the food bank on Hawaii Island working to end hunger and distribute safe, high-quality food in the community.
The funding will go toward the DA BUX program, a partnership with local food retailers to make Hawaii-grown fruits and vegetables more affordable for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cardholders.
“Every household deserves access to healthy and affordable food and this funding is an important investment in the well-being of our communities,” Hirono said in a press release. “Programs like DA BUX help thousands of people in Hawaii access fresh, local produce, improving the health of our communities and strengthening local agriculture.
“I will continue working to bridge the gaps in our food systems to keep families fed while increasing resiliency of local food production.”