Bill > SB940

This bill establishes a three-year School Meals Option Pilot Program within Hawaii's Department of Education aimed at providing healthier meal alternatives for high school students. The program requires at least one high school in each school complex area to offer meals consisting of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices, and non-dairy beverages that meet USDA nutrition standards. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, participating high schools must provide these meal options every other week, increasing to weekly offerings in the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 school years. Each participating high school must develop implementation guidelines approved by the Department of Education, with special consideration that these schools will not be subject to standard meal count staffing requirements. The bill recognizes that many students, particularly Asian-American students, are lactose-intolerant and could benefit from non-dairy meal options. The Department of Education is required to submit progress reports to the Legislature before the 2027, 2028, and 2029 legislative sessions, including student feedback to help refine the meal options. The pilot program will be in effect until June 30, 2029, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of its impact on student nutrition and preferences.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=940&year=2026