Hawaii Strengthens Food Support by Linking SNAP and WIC for Families in Need
Hawaii’s state agencies are improving coordination between two key food support programmes. The Department of Health and the Department of Human Services will now work more closely to link SNAP and WIC benefits. The change aims to help eligible families access nutrition and health services more easily.
The new system will see SNAP send monthly referrals to WIC, identifying families who qualify but are not yet enrolled. Many families already receiving SNAP benefits meet WIC’s income requirements, yet remain unregistered. Once referred, WIC staff will contact families—usually within a few business days—by phone, text, or email to arrange an appointment.
WIC supports pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants, and children under five at nutritional risk. The programme provides food packages, nutrition education, breastfeeding guidance, and health referrals. Unlike SNAP, which offers monthly food benefits via an EBT card, WIC tailors food packages to each participant’s needs. Eligibility for WIC does not depend on citizenship status, and participation is free. Research shows that WIC involvement leads to healthier pregnancies, lower rates of premature births, and better child development. It also reduces long-term healthcare costs for families. For more details on eligibility and benefits, residents can visit snapandwic.hawaii.gov.
The expanded coordination will streamline access to both programmes. Families already receiving SNAP may now find it easier to enrol in WIC. Officials expect the changes to increase participation and improve health equity for low-income households.
