SNAP Benefits 2022 Update: Hawaii Extends Food Stamps Until September, Albertsons Now Accepting Online Payments

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be continuing in the state of Hawaii. Governor David Ige signed a third emergency proclamation, and it allows SNAP benefits 2022 to continue within the state. This is in line with the federal COVID emergency.

SNAP is considered the largest food nutrition assistance program in the country. It is managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the benefit of low-income individuals and families. According to Maui News, they provide an Electronic Benefits Transfer card, which beneficiaries use to purchase eligible food items through authorized retail stores.

Hawaii Residents Ecstatic With SNAP Extension

Local Hawaiian ABC News affiliate KITV talked to several residents about the extension of SNAP benefits. Many were quite happy, including Pito Yandall from Palolo Valley. She said that she is disabled and has a fixed income, so she is quite ecstatic with the SNAP extension.

She also added that it is a big help because she has six children and had to work two to three jobs before getting SNAP. Yandall added that many of her neighbors in Palolo Valley are also on SNAP and are happy with the extension as well.

Last month, 93,000 Hawaiian families benefitted from SNAP and used their cards. This mainly helps families get through the rising costs of food and makes life easier for them, according to one resident.

Governor Ige's office released a statement, saying that without SNAP, families may experience more food insecurity. This poses a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of Hawaii's communities, and Ige added that this "constitutes this emergency declaration." He also ensured that the Department of Human Services remains committed to providing food security for the more vulnerable members of the community in Hawaii.

The governor also added that the emergency relief period continues until September 20, 2022.

Albertsons Companies Accepting EBT Payments Online for SNAP Benefits

Various stores under the Albertsons Companies banner will now also be accepting EBT Payments Online. The stores include Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Vons, and Pavilions stores across the United States. This means that SNAP beneficiaries can use their benefits for online purchases via Albertsons Cos.' websites and apps, or the Albertsons Cos.' virtual stores on the Instacart App.

This may be a huge help for persons with disabilities, as many cannot go outside and purchase goods in person. Albertsons recognizes this and allowed the use of EBT cards for online purchases, according to Albertsons Companies COO Susan Morris.

In addition, those purchasing Albertsons Cos.' banner stores can use multiple payment options, such as credit and debit cards, if ever they also want to purchase non-SNAP eligible items. Yahoo! Finance reported that EBT SNAP customers can also access their online accounts to view and track their balances as well.

Albertsons Companies will continue rolling out their EBT SNAP services via their online stores throughout the summer.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: SNAP benefits extended for Hawaii residents - KITV