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.
Every child deserves a meal: Hawaiʻi’s fight for free school meals for all
On Saturday, March 15, public school students, family members, teachers, lawmakers, and other community allies met at McKinley High’s Auditorium for a Free School Meals for All Community Forum.
Federal uncertainty stymies many legislative priorities
At the midpoint of the 2025 legislative session, HSTA’s lobby team has testified on over 50 bills, advocating for teacher pay, housing, and student needs amid cautious state budgeting due to federal uncertainties. While some key priorities like hazard pay and paid family leave stalled, progress continues on teacher housing, school funding, and civic education, with ongoing efforts to support educators and students across Hawaiʻi.
Community forum to bolster political will behind universal free school meals
One in three households in Hawaiʻi faces food insecurity, leaving many students without consistent access to nutritious meals. Advocates are pushing for universal free school meals to ensure all students receive the nourishment they need to thrive academically and physically, with a community forum set for March 15 to rally support.