Proposed legislation could provide federal funds, relief to Hawaiʻi families
Posted: January 25, 2024
Hawaiʻi public school students across the islands may soon receive free nutritious meals at school if House Bill 1540 becomes law.
The bill, introduced by Representative Mahina Poepoe (D, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe, portion of Kahului, Ha‘ikū, Pe‘ahi, Huelo, Nāhiku, Hāna, Kīpahulu), would require eligible schools to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision, which provides federal funds to help schools offer free meals to all students.
The bill also would allocate state funds to cover the difference between federal meal assistance funds and the actual cost of offering free meals.
“Free student meal programs play a critical role in reducing child hunger, improving food insecurity, enhancing student health and well-being, and preparing our keiki to learn,” said Poepoe.
“A recent study released from the National Bureau of Economic Research revealed that schools participating in the community eligibility provision experienced lower school suspension rates,” she added.
The proposed legislation suggests that schools that participate in the community eligibility provision can also see future benefits including reducing the amount of staff time spent on processing paperwork, reducing debt associated with delinquent meal accounts, and ensuring that all students will be fed regardless of their ability to pay.
Click here to monitor the progress of HB1540.