Bill > HB1075

This bill aims to reduce the financial burden of school meals on families in Hawaii by modifying the revenue requirements for school meal pricing. Currently, school meals must generate revenue of not less than one-half of the cost of preparing the meals, but the bill would change this to require that revenue be no more than one-quarter of the meal preparation costs. The legislation is motivated by the economic challenges faced by working families and the desire to increase student participation in school meal programs. By lowering the required revenue generation, the bill seeks to make school meals more affordable, which could help ensure that more students have access to nutritious food. The bill recognizes that access to healthy meals is crucial for students' academic success and overall well-being, and it maintains a provision allowing the Department of Education to provide lower rates or free meals to children based on economic need. The changes will take effect on July 1, 3000 (which appears to be a placeholder date), and will apply to all students enrolled in Department of Education schools.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1075&year=2026