Bill > HCR25

This Concurrent Resolution urges the Department of Education's School Food Services Branch to add a provision to its existing agreements for "ina Pono," a program focused on bringing Hawaii-grown foods into schools, that would specifically support the purchase of goods or services from "food hubs." Food hubs are described as facilities that help small to mid-sized local farmers by providing aggregation, storage, processing, distribution, and marketing support, which is crucial for their economic sustainability and for increasing access to fresh, local food for consumers, including students. The resolution highlights the importance of supporting local farmers for the state's economic development and self-reliance, and acknowledges the role of the School Food Services Branch in providing nutritious meals to over one hundred thousand students daily and promoting farm-to-school initiatives that benefit students' health and education.