Legislative deadline looms over universal free school meals bill
A bill to provide universal free school meals in Hawaiʻi is once again in jeopardy at the state Legislature.
Enthusiasm surrounds measure to provide universal free school meals
Thousands of students already take advantage of programs for free or discounted meals, but access often depends on a family’s income. Many students in low-income families need the support but can't get it.
More Hawaiʻi schools qualify for free meal programs but the state may not participate
Recent changes to a federal program could allow for a significant expansion of free school meals in Hawaiʻi, but it's unclear if the state will opt in.
Hawaiʻi sees first school meal reimbursement rate increase in 40 years
A long awaited boost to federal child nutrition program funds announced by the US Department of Agriculture in February, is now flowing into the state.
Bill aims to keep more kupuna eligible for SNAP benefits
The Keep Kupuna Fed Act would exempt Title II income, or Social Security benefits, from counting against benefits under SNAP, which provides low-income households with financial assistance to purchase food.
Hawaiʻi food insecurity persists post COVID-19
Even as Hawaiʻi distances itself from the harshest effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-hunger advocates say that elevated food insecurity among residents has not only persisted but is growing.
Food and farming advocates look to state budget after mixed results this session
Despite a bumper crop of food and agriculture bills being submitted this session, several marquee pieces of legislation appear to be on death’s door.
Lawmakers are keeping pressure on DOE for school meal plans
Farmers and ranchers see an opportunity for ongoing collaboration.
Lack of leadership hurts farm-to-school
The narrow-mindedness of our legislative leaders not only is compromising the education of our students in the short term, it is preventing long-term resilience for all of us.
Bills to transform Hawaiʻi’s school meals die in Senate
The bills aimed to provide cheaper and more locally sourced meals to the nearly 170,000 public and charter school students in Hawaiʻi.
Hawaiʻi families are on the edge of a ‘hunger cliff’ now that extra food stamps are gone
Nearly half of Hawaiʻi recipients of food support are employed but the end of additional federal assistance is going to sting.
DOE hopes a $35 million kitchen in Wahiawa will improve school lunches and give farmers a boost
The DOE plans for a centralized kitchen concept but local advocates say it's better to increase cooking capacity at individual schools.
USDA raises meal reimbursement rate for Hawaiʻi’s kids
While the new rate is still less than half of what advocates wanted, it’s been met with praise in Hawaiʻi.
State gets more funding for school lunches
Hawaiʻi will receive an additional $8 million annually to help provide school lunches for keiki.
Rate increase will bring in $8 million per year to feed Hawaiʻi’s keiki
The U.S. Department of Agriculture this week announced that Hawaii’s reimbursement rates for school lunch and other federal child nutrition programs will be increased by 13 percent.
Inside the push to make school meals free in Hawaiʻi
Nutrition incentive programs like SNAP help stretch budgets and put good food on tables.
Free school meals for all Hawaiʻi students
As Hawaiʻi’s public school students begin to return to in-person learning, we are faced with a stark new reality: Many of them are hungry.
Sugary drink taxes can dismantle systemic inequities by giving back to communities
We have ample evidence to show that low-income neighborhoods have less access to healthy food and drink options, decreased opportunities for physical activity, and limited access to healthcare.
State must help provide food security
It cannot be overstated: The need for food is immense. The incredible spike in need has crippled Hawaiʻi’s supply chains and overwhelmed our emergency food networks.
Every keiki needs a (healthy) breakfast
It is up to all of us to ensure that our keiki have the nutrition they need to be academically successful and healthy. We need to all work together in our communities to make this happen.