Legislature shows support for local agriculture, food security

Food security advocates are also celebrating policies that will make it easier for kūpuna and inmates nearing the end of their sentences to participate in SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

SB 3245 allows those 60 years and older to reapply to SNAP every three years, up from the current annual requirement. It also simplifies the application process.

HB 1518 establishes a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates, which would allow benefits to start immediately after release.

Another win is the extra $900,000 going to the Farm to Families program for fiscal year 2027, which supports food banks purchasing from local farmers. That benefits both food security groups and local farmers.

“It’s super exciting, and I know the food banks are happy. It’s going to be great for strengthening those connections between the emergency food system and farmers,” said Daniela Spoto, Hawaiʻi Appleseed’s Deputy Director.