Bill > SB789

This bill modifies Hawaii's school meal pricing regulations to make school lunches more affordable for families. Currently, schools are required to charge at least half the cost of preparing meals, but this legislation would change that requirement so that schools can charge no more than one-quarter of the meal preparation cost. The bill's purpose is to reduce the financial burden on working families and increase student participation in school meal programs. The legislature finds that the rising cost of living and meal expenses can create challenges for families, potentially preventing students from accessing nutritious food. By lowering the required revenue from meal sales, the state aims to support students' academic success and overall well-being, particularly for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The bill includes a provision that allows the Department of Education to adjust meal prices annually based on the previous year's costs, and it maintains the existing rule that provides lower rates or free meals for children with economic need. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2050, and will be automatically repealed on January 1, 2031 if the Department of Education fails to meet its Local Farm to School Meal goal.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=789&year=2025