Community coalition celebrates passage of school meal expansion bill

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature gave final approval Wednesday to Senate Bill 1300, to expand free school meal access to keiki in the ALICE population over the next two school years.

“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.”

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.

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.

“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.”

“Each time a student is denied a school breakfast or lunch, we as a society are punishing that student for a situation far beyond their control,” said Osa Tui, Jr., Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association President. “Passage of SB1300 will not only ensure that many more of our keiki do not have to go hungry and can focus in school, but the bill also shields them from the stigma and shame regarding their family’s financial circumstances.”

Beginning with the upcoming 2025–2026 school year, SB1300 expands free school meal coverage to students who currently qualify for reduced-price lunch. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, the bill expands free school meal coverage to students whose family income is not more than 300% of the federal poverty level.

“SB1300 is going to provide access to food for many more keiki now, and will support the hard working ʻohana of Hawaiʻi,” said Lauren Pokipala, a teacher at Castle High. “We need to prioritize our keiki because they are the next generation that is going to take care of this place.”

“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 keiki, 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 sign the legislation into law.