FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mar. 19, 2025
‘DA BUX’ Double up Food Bucks program expands to all Foodland stores statewide
HILO, HAWAI‘I – The Food Basket, Hawai‘i Island’s Food Bank, announces the ‘DA BUX’ Double Up Food Bucks program has reached a major milestone, expanding to all Foodland locations statewide as of February 28, 2025. This marks the culmination of a multi-year effort to increase accessibility and streamline the customer experience for SNAP shoppers seeking fresh, local produce.
With this expansion, DA BUX cardholders can now confidently use their benefits at any Foodland store, eliminating confusion and barriers at checkout. Many SNAP shoppers already prefer Foodland as their grocery store of choice, making this expansion a crucial step in improving participation and ensuring that more families have access to fresh, locally grown food.
Foodland is one of the top three most visited grocery stores for SNAP shoppers in Hawai‘i, making it an essential partner in reaching a large segment of DA BUX’s target audience. The program’s expansion to all Foodland locations represents a collaborative effort made possible by philanthropic organizations, state government leaders, county officials, and SNAP users who advocated for increased funding and accessibility.
In 2024, the State of Hawai‘i allocated $1.5 million to DA BUX—the largest state investment in the program’s history—ensuring greater financial stability for the program moving forward. Additionally, DA BUX continues to rely on federal funds through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), which requires a 100% match from local, non-federal sources. Ongoing fundraising efforts remain critical to sustaining and expanding the program.
With this funding and growing statewide support, DA BUX is secured through December 31, 2026. Additional expansions are also planned, with new food hubs and grocery stores set to join the program later this year, further increasing accessibility and impact. While no federal funding freezes are currently in place, DA BUX leadership continues to strategically plan for long-term sustainability. To learn more about DA BUX Double Up program, visit dabux.org.
Foodland Locations
Foodland Dillingham, Oahu
Foodland Kaahumanu, Maui
Foodland Kailua, Oahu
Foodland Kaneohe, Oahu
Foodland Kapolei, Oahu
Foodland Keaau, Hawaii
Foodland Kihei, Maui
Foodland Market City, Oahu
Foodland Mililani, Oahu
Foodland Princeville, Kauai
Foodland Waimea, Hawaii
Foodland Waipio, Oahu
Foodland Ewa Beach, Oahu
Foodland Kehalani, Maui
Foodland Laie, Oahu
Foodland Pukalani, Maui
Foodland Pupukea, Oahu
Foodland Wahiawa, Oahu
About The Food Basket — Hawai‘i Island’s Food Bank
To learn more, visit hawaiifoodbasket.org.
Contact:
Chelsea Takahashi
Phone: (808) 437-3044
Email: chelsea@hawaiifoodbasket.org
Learn more about DA BUX
Dig into these resources to learn more about the evidence behind DA BUX and to spread the word about the program to others!