Free school meals coming to more Hawaiʻi students under new law

Beginning next school year, more Hawaiʻi students will receive free meals under a new law aimed at addressing hunger in classrooms and supporting working families.

Gov. Josh Green on Friday signed Senate Bill 1300, which expands eligibility for free school meals across the state’s public schools, including to many families who previously didn’t qualify for assistance. The measure is especially aimed at supporting students from ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) households.

Under the new law, which takes effect July 1, 2025, all students who currently qualify for reduced-price lunches will begin receiving free meals starting in the 2025–2026 school year.

The state will allocate $565,000 per year for the first two years, benefitting an estimated 34,000 students. Then, in the 2026–2027 school year, an additional $2.8 million will expand eligibility to include families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level.

“Access to nutritious meals is fundamental to student success,” said Senate Vice President Michelle Kidani, who authored the bill. “When students are well-fed, they can focus better, engage fully and reach their potential.”

Kidani, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Education, said the measure is based on years of firsthand observation of hunger in schools and how often teachers quietly step in to help students in need.

The bill was signed during a ceremony at Washington Place. Kidani credited community advocates and First Lady Jaime Green for helping the measure pass.