State passes a bill to expand free school meal access

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature gave final approval to expand free school meal access to cover more children over the next two years.

The bill, SB1300, will go into effect with the upcoming 2025-26 school year and will cover students whose family income is not more than 300 percent of the federal poverty level.

“We are so pleased that the legislature listened to the voice of the community and expanded access to free meals for more families that need them,” said Daniela Spoto, director of food equity at Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice. “While this legislation does not yet provide universal coverage, it’s a huge step in the right direction. SB1300 will be an enormous help for Hawaiʻi’s ALICE families.”