REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PROVIDE FREE SCHOOL MEALS TO EVERY STUDENT ENROLLED IN A DEPARTMENT SCHOOL, REGARDLESS OF A STUDENT'S ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION IN A FEDERAL SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM, BEGINNING WITH THE 2029-2030 SCHOOL YEAR.

This Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Education to offer free school meals to all students in state schools, regardless of their family's income or current eligibility for federal meal programs. The request specifically targets implementation starting in the 2029-2030 school year, building upon previous expansions that began in 2025-2026. The resolution does not authorize funding or mandate the program but serves as a formal request to the state education department to consider this universal meal provision. It is based on the premise that consistent access to nutritious food supports student health and academic performance.