HB 1248 Summary

• Appropriates general revenue funds to the Department of Agriculture for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to continue the Hawaii healthy food incentive program (DA BUX program) and provide matching funds for supplemental nutrition assistance program beneficiaries purchasing fresh produce.

• The DA BUX program provides dollar-for-dollar matching incentives to low-income residents who use supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits to buy locally grown fruits, vegetables, and proteins at participating farmers' markets, grocery stores, and community-supported agriculture retailers.

• Program has demonstrated economic benefit with a 2.1 economic multiplier per dollar spent, meaning a $3,000,000 state investment could generate at least $12,600,000 in annual economic activity while supporting local farmers and improving food access.

• Enables the statewide program coordinator (The Food Basket on Hawaii island) to obtain federal matching grant funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to sustain and expand the program.

• Takes effect June 30, 3000 (note: effective date appears to be a technical error in the document).