Bill > SB549

This bill establishes two key initiatives for Hawaii's Department of Education (DOE) high schools: a farm-to-school meal recognition program and a requirement to provide plant-based meal options. The recognition program will incentivize public schools to develop plans to source 30% of their food locally by 2030, with the department creating guidelines and potential rewards for schools that meet this goal. For plant-based meal options, the bill requires all DOE high schools to offer a plant-based meal choice, with the flexibility to designate a specific day of the week for exclusively plant-based meals. The legislation is motivated by several factors, including supporting local agriculture, promoting student health, accommodating diverse dietary needs, and ensuring nutritional equity. The bill notes that plant-based diets can reduce risks of chronic diseases, and that offering such options can help students with specific dietary preferences or restrictions. Schools will be allowed to develop individual guidelines for implementing these plant-based meal options, subject to department approval, and must incorporate nutritional guidelines, menu planning, and staffing considerations. The bill builds upon previous legislation (Act 175 from 2021) and aims to provide more inclusive and health-conscious school meal programs.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=549&year=2026