ACTION ALERT:
DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS
Double Up Food Bucks, also known locally as “DA BUX,” provides a dollar-for-dollar match on fresh, locally-grown produce for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants. This program is a “triple win” for Hawai‘i: making healthy food more accessible for families in need, supporting agriculture and farmers, and keeping money within the local economy.
Take Action Now:
How to Submit Testimony
- Log-in/make an account on the Capitol website.
- Go to the bill page for SB 512 and click the “Submit Testimony” button.
- Write your testimony on why you SUPPORT SB 512 (it doesn’t need to be long!).
- Submit your testimony by Monday, February 15 at 10 AM.
You can use the same testimony as last time, but it does matter that you submit testimony for every hearing! Each committee has different lawmakers, who may be new to the issue and need to hear from you.
If you plan to testify remotely, you can find additional information here.
Hearing Information
Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Tuesday, February 16 at 10 AM
Hearing Notice
Watch the hearing live on the Senate YouTube page.
Please submit your testimony at least 24 hours prior to the hearing for consideration.
Talking Points:
- Double Up Food Bucks offers a solution to three pressing issues in Hawai‘i during the pandemic:
- Makes healthy foods more affordable and feeds hungry families.
- Support local farmers by incentivizing the purchase of locally-produced food.
- Stimulates economic activity by keeping food dollars within the local economy.
- In December 2020, there were over 189K SNAP recipients in the state, a 20% increase from the year before.
- SNAP can help to stimulate the economy during economic downturns, as their food dollars are often quickly spent for necessities. These dollars ripple out to throughout the supply chain, supporting farmers, retailers, and food distributor employees. Just $1 of SNAP will generate $1.79 in economic activity.