Bill > SB1300

This bill aims to expand free school meal coverage in Hawaii to support students and families facing economic challenges. Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the bill will provide free meals to students who currently qualify for reduced-price lunch under the National School Lunch Program. Then, starting in the 2026-2027 school year, the bill will further expand free meal coverage to students from families with incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level, regardless of their previous meal program eligibility. The legislation is informed by an Aloha United Way report highlighting that 46% of ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) experience consistent food insecurity. To support this initiative, the bill appropriates $565,000 for fiscal years 2025-2026 to cover reduced-price meal subsidies and an additional $2,800,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to support meals for students from families at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. The bill also emphasizes that no student should be denied a meal due to inability to pay and aims to ensure students have consistent access to nutritious food, which is considered critical for academic success and overall well-being.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1300&year=2025