Legislative deadline looms over universal free school meals bill

There was optimism surrounding the bill this year. Both this and last year, the DOE submitted concerns about universal free school meals, but its estimated cost for providing them this year was lower than last year’s estimate.

Proponents of the bill suggested that a lower estimate could mean the DOE was more open to the possibility of supporting free school meals.

Students, educators, health and equity advocates have all supported HB 1775.

In a recent report, the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice argued that in states with universal free school meal programs, child food insecurity decreases and academic scores increase.

There are eight states that provide universal free school meals.

Sens. Michelle Kidani and Donna Mercado Kim, who lead the education committee, did not respond to requests for comment.