Bill > HB424

This bill requires the Hawaii Department of Education to provide free breakfast and lunch to students in public schools beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, with specific eligibility requirements. Students must qualify based on household income (meeting federal reduced-price meal program guidelines), submit an application, and have that application approved by the department. The free meals must meet federal nutritional standards established in the Code of Federal Regulations. The bill also maintains existing protections that prevent students from being denied meals due to payment issues, ensuring that no student will be denied food within the first 21 days of the first semester while their application is being processed or within seven days of their meal account reaching a zero balance. Additionally, the bill adjusts language around meal pricing, specifying that for meals not covered by the free program, the department can charge no more than a portion of the meal preparation costs. The legislation includes an appropriation of funds to cover the total plate costs associated with providing these free meals, with the understanding that federal funding will be considered first. The bill aims to reduce financial barriers to student nutrition while ensuring meal quality and accessibility.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=424&year=2026