EBT restrictions (Hawaii)

Vanessa Nason filed this request with the Department of Human Services of Hawaii.
Submitted April 25, 2017
Status
Completed

Communications

From: Vanessa Nason

Subject: Uniform Information Practices Code Request: EBT restrictions (Hawaii)

Email

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to Hawaii's Uniform Information Practices Code, I hereby request the following records:

–Specific foods, products, or services that cannot be purchased using EBT cards
–Types of establishments that do not accept EBT cards (for example, jewelry stores, firearms dealers, etc.)

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by the recommendations of the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format, including for screen readers, which provide text-to-speech for persons unable to read print. Files that are not accessible to screen readers include, for example, .pdf image files as well as physical documents.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Nason

From: DHS Directors Office Shared Mailbox

Subject: RE: Uniform Information Practices Code Request: EBT restrictions (Hawaii)

Email

Aloha,
Our team provided these responses:

–Specific foods, products, or services that cannot be purchased using EBT cards

The EBT cards have both SNAP and Cash benefits loaded for cardholders to use based on what benefit programs the household is eligible for. I will defer to the SNAP and FAP offices regarding how each benefit program can be used at the stores for purchases. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase ‘eligible food items”. For information on “Eligible Food Items“ that can be purchased with SNAP benefits, visit the USDA, FNS web site at: shttps://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items.

–Types of establishments that do not accept EBT cards (for example, jewelry stores, firearms dealers, etc.)

SNAP benefits can be used to purchase eligible food items using an EBT card at retailers that are licensed by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. To learn more about “Retail Store Eligibility SUSDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program”, visit the USDA, FNS web site at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retail-store-eligibility-usda-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program

TANF prohibits EBT card use in liquor stores, gaming or gambling establishments or adult entertainment venues. Note, funds are prohibited for purchases in those establishments but the devices do not electronically prevented from completing a transaction there.
This information is available on our public-facing website and on the federal USDA FNS website so no costs were incurred. You may also want to check with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for additional information.

Keopu Reelitz
Public Information Officer, Department of Human Services

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