Federal Grant Award Summary

The Hawaii Department of Labor & Industrial Relations, operating as the Hawaii Office of Community Services, received a $356,342 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service under the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP, CFDA 10.576) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This award funds the distribution of benefits to low-income seniors in Hawaii, enabling eligible participants to purchase fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh-cut herbs directly from authorized farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.

The program operates as a dual-benefit initiative that simultaneously improves nutrition outcomes for Hawaii's senior population while supporting local agricultural producers through direct consumer connections. Administrative activities include benefit issuance management, vendor authorization and monitoring, financial operations, and records maintenance in compliance with federal regulations. The grant funds both benefit distribution and program administration, with the state agency responsible for maintaining comprehensive operational records for a minimum of three years following final expenditure reporting.