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% 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 and 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.”

ALICE (asset-limited, income-constrained, employed) families earn too much to qualify for free meals at school currently, yet not enough to meet the basic living costs required to provide their children with consistent breakfast and lunch. As a result, many students miss out on essential nutrition that supports their well-being and academic success.

“It’s not a want. It’s a need that should have been done a long time ago,” said Dayeisha Tauga, a senior at Castle High School. “Students should never wonder how they’re going to eat, especially in school—nor should they be shamed when they can’t afford it.”

Providing free school breakfast and lunch to public school students fosters better physical and mental health while enhancing learning outcomes. Research shows that access to free meals can improve test scores by as much as six additional weeks of school.

“Expanding free school meal access is an important step to the ultimate goal of ending childhood hunger,” said Nate Hix, director of policy and advocacy at Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute. “By helping to meet the basic needs of our children, we are creating a healthier, stronger and more successful future for all of us.”

SB1300 now goes to Gov. Josh Green’s desk, where community supporters are hopeful he will enthusiastically sign the legislation into law.