Free summer meals and grocery support available for keiki

Families across Hawaiʻi can access free resources to ensure keiki continue receiving nutritious meals after the school year.

Federally funded summer nutrition programs are available statewide through partnerships among the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, Department of Human Services, nonprofits and community organizations.

Three key options include:

1. Free eat-on-site meals at schools and community sites

Children and teens 18 years and younger can receive free meals at participating schools, libraries, parks and community centers across the state—no ID or registration required. These locations offer a supervised space where youth can eat together.

“When school is out, many children in low-income communities lose access to the consistent meals they rely on,” said Greg Waibel, CEO, YMCA of Honolulu. “That’s why programs like the USDA Summer Food Service Program are so critical. 

To find a nearby site, visit hawaiifoodhelp.com/seasonal-programs and look for yellow icons on the Hawai‘i Afterschool Alliance’s 2025 Summer Programs + Meals map.

2. Kaukau 4 Keiki weekly meal kits

Eligible families can apply for Kaukau 4 Keiki, which delivers weekly meal kits with fresh, local food. The program supports Hawaiʻi farmers and vendors while addressing food insecurity. Families can check eligibility and apply at kaukau4keiki.org. For Maui families, visit mauifoodbank.org.

“Kaukau 4 Keiki is more than just a summer meal program—it’s a lifeline,” said Avary Maunakea, executive director of Kahumana. “By sourcing from local farmers, we’re feeding our keiki and investing in our community’s resilience.”

3. SUN Bucks: $177 per child for groceries

The SUN Bucks program offers $177 per eligible child to help families purchase groceries. Most qualifying families will automatically receive a food purchasing card in late May or early June, with no application required. Families who don’t receive it automatically can apply by Aug. 3 at sunbucks.dhs.hawaii.gov or check eligibility at summerEBT.org.

“As a parent, summer can be really stressful when school meals aren’t available,” said Tara Mossman, a college student and mother of a special needs child. “SUN Bucks helps me stretch our grocery budget and gives me peace of mind knowing I can afford to buy healthy food for my son. These programs truly make a difference for families like mine.”

For more information about these programs, visit hawaiifoodhelp.com/seasonal-programs.