Free school meals measure passes at the Legislature

Thousands more keiki across Hawai’i will have access to free breakfast and lunch starting as soon as next school year, after a key measure in the Legislature passed a critical hurdle Thursday. Senate Bill 1300 unanimously passed out of its conference committee April 24. It’s next headed to the State House and Senate for a floor vote, where it’s expected to pass before going to Gov. Josh Green’s desk for his signature to become law.

The bill will help more students benefit from free breakfast and lunch at school, specifically:

• For the 2025-26 school year, students who currently pay a reduced price for a meal will now receive completely free meals at school.
• For the 2026-27 school year, free breakfast and lunch will be given to all HIDOE students in families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level – about $107,000 for a family of four.

Educators, students, and allies celebrated the bill’s passage.

HSTA President Osa Tui, Jr., emphasized the direct impact on students.

“Each time a student is denied a school breakfast or lunch, we as a society are punishing that student for a situation far beyond their control. Passage of SB 1300 will not only ensure that many more of our keiki do not have to go hungry and can focus in school, but the bill also shields them from the stigma and shame regarding their family’s financial circumstances.”

HSTA’s Teacher Lobbyist Sarah “Mili” Milianta-Laffin said, “This movement of SB 1300 is a huge win for our keiki and an important step forward in making sure more keiki in Hawai’i have access to the meals they need to learn, grow, and thrive.”

Free student meals were a top legislative priority for the HSTA. Along with other community organizations, the union co-sponsored a school meals forum in late March to build support for expanding free school meals.

Students, community rally support behind free meals

Just a day before Thursday’s passage, students from Castle High visited legislators to urge them to support SB 1300. The trip, organized by the Hawai’i Public Health Institute, served as an extra push to get the bill passed. Tui, Laffin, and HSTA Government Relations Specialist Jason Bradshaw helped chaperone the Castle students during visits with lawmakers and staff.

“The Legislature needs to support free school meals now,” Keira Torres, a Castle High student, shared with one of the legislators. “Current students and future generations will rely on this for nourishment and brain function.”

The students also met with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, while she collected items for the Hawaiʻi Food Bank in her office. Luke said, “One in three people in Hawaiʻi live with hunger,” and that it was important that students were advocating for their peers to get food at school, “because that might be the only meal they get a day.”

Ahead of Thursday’s vote, Rep. Trish La Chica (D, Mililani Town, Mililani Mauka, Waipio Gentry, and Koa Ridge) said, “More than a school meals bill, this is a statement that when every child receives the same meal, there’s no shame, there’s no stigma and we’re not leaving any child behind, so I’m proud to stand with all of you on moving this measure through.”

Earlier this session, Castle High teacher Lauren Pokipala delivered passionate testimony for free meals about hating to pass out student debt notices, knowing students can’t pay for meals. The HSTA’s Government Relations Instagram reel of her testimony has been viewed over 50,000 times.

“As a teacher, I have witnessed firsthand some of the struggles that many families face,” Pokipala said. “On a weekly basis, as well, students will ask if I have anything to eat […] I believe that the long-term benefits of investing in our children’s well-being outweigh the financial costs. It’s not just about feeding our kids, but investing in their future, strengthening our communities, and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Mahalo to every teacher advocate, student, community member, organization, and legislator who called, emailed, testified, showed up, and told their stories. This victory belongs to everyone, and the children of Hawaiʻi will benefit greatly.

If you have questions about this legislative session, feel free to email lobbyist@hsta.org, and we’ll get back to you. The 2025 legislative session ends on May 2, with the possibility that there may be a special session called at a later date.

If you want to stay up to date on this legislative session and other HSTA government relations activity, please follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hstagovrelations/ (@hstagovrelations). Tag us in your stories, and we may even reshare them!

HSTA will continue to advocate in favor of free meals for all keiki and plans to pursue the issue in the next legislative session.