Eating Without Spending Much: DA BUX

Everyone deserves to eat well, and a program in Hawaiʻi helps its people do exactly that.

DA BUX is a Hawaiʻi program for people on EBT/SNAP (food stamps). It lets them buy local fruits and vegetables at half the cost. Example: $10 of EBT benefits buys $20 of Hawaiʻi-grown produce. The farmers are still paid full price because the program covers the other half.

The local farmers market I attend every week is part of DA BUX. All the local fruits and vegetables I buy there are sold to me at 50% off. I participate every week. Fourteen grapefruits priced at $7 cost me $3.50. Basil for my homemade pesto, priced at $12, cost me $6. A produce total of $38 in potatoes and greens cost me $16.

When I shop, I look for food I can eat over the next seven days. DA BUX significantly helps me buy more nourishing food. I know where it’s grown and who grew it because I buy directly from the growers.

Why would Hawaiʻi create a program that lets its residents buy local produce at half price? People here have been looking to eat better. Many have realized some past food choices have left them dealing with doctors more often. By making fresh, local fruits and vegetables affordable, the program encourages the habit of using money to nourish yourself well — while keeping that money circulating to local farmers.

You can look up DA BUX online to find where in your area of Hawaiʻi you can participate. The program currently has funding through December 31, 2026. I encourage EBT shoppers to enjoy what the program offers.

Everyone deserves to eat well.

Stacy 🌺

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I share my experiences and my perspective. Eating and healing look different for everyone. If you are struggling with food or your relationship with your body, please find support. You don’t have to do this alone.