Bill > HB328

This bill aims to improve school meals in Hawaii by establishing two key initiatives: a farm-to-school program and a plant-based meal option. The farm-to-school program requires the Department of Education to help complex areas and individual public schools create partnerships to source 30% of their food locally by 2030, which supports local farmers and provides students with fresher, more nutritious meals. The plant-based meal program, set to begin in the 2026-2027 school year, will offer students a meal option consisting entirely of minimally processed plant-based ingredients like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices, without any animal products. The bill highlights the health benefits of such an approach, noting potential reductions in risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers, while also promoting environmental consciousness. Schools will be required to track their progress and submit reports to the legislature, with the plant-based meal program set to expire on June 30, 2028, unless further legislation is passed to continue it. The overall goals are to improve student nutrition, support local agriculture, and provide more diverse and health-conscious meal options in Hawaii's public schools.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=328&year=2025