Food stamps are a form of government assistance that provides low-income individuals and families with financial aid to purchase food. The Maui office of the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) is responsible for administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, on the island of Maui. SNAP provides monthly benefits to eligible individuals and families to help them purchase food at authorized retail stores.
SNAP is an important program that helps to reduce food insecurity and hunger on Maui. In 2021, SNAP benefits helped over 25,000 people on Maui purchase food, including over 10,000 children. SNAP benefits also help to stimulate the local economy, as they are spent at local grocery stores and other food retailers.