HI SB3257

Appropriates state general funds to the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience and the Department of Health to continue Hawaii's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) program for fiscal year 2026-2027.

Responds to the elimination of federal SNAP-Ed funding in 2025, which previously supported a combined $1.57 billion budget for Hawaii's nutrition education programs.

SNAP-Ed program outcomes showed 91% of participants improved their diets, 83% gained meal planning and budgeting skills, and 40% reported increased food affordability.

The federal SNAP-Ed program operated from 1992 to 2025, providing nutrition education, healthy eating promotion, cooking skills training, and expanded access to nutritious foods for low-income families.

Effective date is July 1, 2026; specific appropriation amounts are left blank in the bill text.