HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-27 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran SB 390, SD1 Relating to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Incentives
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
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County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
March 27, 2019
Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair
Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice Chair Keith-Agaran, and Committee Members:
RE: SB 390, SD1 Relating to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Incentives
Please accept this testimony in support of the Double Bucks initiative, SB 390, SD1.
On Hawaiʻi Island, the Food Basket and One Island (West Hawaiʻi) applied for, and were awarded,
$500K each for four years. The funding is for SNAP recipients to purchase local fruits and vegetables, thereby
encouraging them to make healthier choices.
I’m told that the $500K was for four years – total. The Food Basket is close to using up most of that
grant.
In addition, there has been so much success with Double Bucks, the entire state now wants to start up
this kind of program. For Hawaiʻi County, we need funding to continue and expand the initiative.
The 2018 Farm Bill increased funding for the federal grant program called the Food Insecurity Nutrition
Incentive. There is $250 million available over 5 years, starting this year. Other states that have appropriated
matching funds have received this funding, so there is a strong chance Hawaiʻi would qualify for additional
funds from this program if SB 390 passes. There is no limit, but national partners have suggested that $1M is
achievable.
Double Bucks is a win-win for SNAP recipients, farmers, markets, and our communities. We hope you
will give it a favorable vote.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR