REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE DETAILING FARM-TO-SCHOOL IMPLEMENTATION, LOCAL FOOD PROCUREMENT, REGIONAL KITCHEN ALIGNMENT, AND FEDERAL FARM-TO-SCHOOL GRANT PARTICIPATION.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to submit a report to the Legislature on its farm-to-school program and local food procurement efforts. The report must detail current purchasing levels, how school meal operations align with regional kitchen infrastructure, and any barriers preventing local farmers from participating. It also asks for information on federal grant participation and recommendations for improving procurement policies to better support local agriculture. The Department of Education is the primary target, as it is the state's largest institutional food buyer and plays a central role in these initiatives.