Bill > HB757

This bill establishes a universal free school breakfast and lunch program for all students enrolled in Hawaii's Department of Education schools, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. The legislation is motivated by findings that food insecurity affects one in three households in Hawaii, creating significant health and educational barriers for children. Under the bill, free breakfast and lunch will be provided to all students, regardless of their family's income, removing previous eligibility restrictions that required families of four to earn less than $47,000 annually to qualify for free meals. The meals must meet federal nutritional standards established in the Code of Federal Regulations and are intended to improve educational outcomes, increase equity, and remove stigmas associated with free meal programs. The bill also eliminates previous provisions about denying meals based on payment status and requires the state to appropriate funds to cover the costs of the program after federal funding has been applied. The legislature believes this approach will help address food insecurity, support children's physical and mental health, and potentially improve academic performance, with research suggesting free meal access can be equivalent to six additional weeks of schooling.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=757&year=2026