Bill > SB988

This bill transfers the Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs Agency from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture, establishing it as an independent agency with a clear mandate to serve as the state's link between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services and local program operators. The agency will be responsible for conducting audits, providing technical assistance, disbursing federal funds, and administering a new grant program to support public schools. The grant program will focus on four key initiatives: funding purchases of minimally processed local food products, supporting equipment for local food preparation, providing professional development on nutrition and farm-to-school connections, and offering technical assistance to increase participation in federal child nutrition programs. The bill ensures that employees currently working in the program will retain their civil service status, benefits, and rights during the transfer. Additionally, the agency will be required to submit reports to the legislature on grant fund disbursement and will prioritize grants that promote healthy food activities, have clear educational objectives, involve parents or the community, and support farm-to-school procurement activities. The ultimate goal is to help the Department of Education meet its objective of serving 30% locally grown food in public schools by 2030 while maintaining an ethical and independent oversight of child nutrition programs.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=988&year=2025