Community forum will bolster political will behind Universal Free School Meals
Free School Meals 4 All: A Community Forum will take place Sat., March 15 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. at McKinley High School auditorium.
HONOLULU, Hawaiʻi — Food insecurity impacts one out of every three households in Hawaiʻi, negatively affecting the health and educational attainment of keiki across the state.
Many families earn too much to qualify for free meals at school, yet not enough to meet the basic living costs required to provide their children with consistent breakfast and lunch. As a result, too many students miss out on essential nutrition that supports their well-being and academic success.
A Universal Free School Meals policy would ensure that every public school student has access to nutritious breakfasts and lunches, fostering 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.
“Educators see first-hand how proper nutrition impacts student success, which is why we are strong advocates for Universal Free School Meal programs. Breakfast and lunch are two of the most important school supplies,” said Sarah “Mili” Milianta-Laffin, a teacher at ʻIlima Intermediate School.
“The legislature needs to support free school meals now,” said Keira Torres, a student at Castle High School. “Current students and future generations will rely on this for nourishment and brain function.”
A recent poll conducted by Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute and Ward Research found that 82 percent of registered voters surveyed support guaranteeing free school meals for all children. Testimony on Universal Free School Meals legislation is overwhelmingly in support of the policy. Video recordings of teachers and students testifying in support have racked up nearly 100,000 organic views on social media.
Yet, neither Senate Bill 43 nor House Bill 757—the legislative vehicles that would establish the policy—made it even halfway through the legislative process. SB43 never received a single hearing in the Senate, while HB757 failed to receive a hearing in the House Finance Committee. A bill to partially expand meal access is still alive in the Senate and expected to cross over (SB1300). It could be amended then to create a Universal Free School Meals program.
“What we are hearing from our partners in the community, from teachers, from students, from parents and from concerned citizens, is that this policy is badly needed and widely supported,” said Daniela Spoto, Hawaiʻi Appleseed Director of Food Equity. “Policymakers need to hear the community, and let the voices of the people bolster the political will to get this policy passed. Not next year, not two or three years from now. This year.”
That’s why Hawaiʻi Appleseed, the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association, Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute and the Hawaiʻi Hunger Action Network are collaborating on hosting a community forum at McKinley High School Auditorium on Sat., March 15 from 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Members of the legislature and representatives from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education and the Office of the Governor have been invited to come share with the community their vision for implementation of Universal Free School Meals, as well as to listen to the concerns of the public. Multiple policymakers have already confirmed attendance.
“With one in three families facing food insecurity and many students forced to skip meals during the school day, it’s essential that the state join the eight other states in providing free school meals for all students,” said Nate Hix, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute. “School is provided free to all students, and the nutrition they need to thrive in the classroom should be too.”
“I know Hawaiʻi residents sacrifice a lot, and that is because their ancestors passed down the value of taking care of one another, no matter what,” said Lauren Pokipala, a teacher at Castle High. “So my question to everyone is, should state officials receive an increase in their pay, or should all students be able to get breakfast and lunch at no cost while they’re in school?”
Buses have been set up to shuttle community members from Māʻili Community Learning Center, Mililani High School, Waipahu District Park and Kuhio Park Terrace.
Members of the media are highly encouraged to attend the event, ask questions of policymakers, and talk to community members.
WHAT: Free School Meals 4 All: A Community Forum
WHEN: Saturday, March 15, 2025, 9:30–11:30 AM
WHERE: McKinley High School Auditorium, 1039 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96814
