Hawaii HB1779 expands free school meal coverage to all public school students by 2029-2030.

Hawaii HB1779 aims to address food insecurity among students by expanding free school meal coverage. Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, students who qualify for reduced-price meals will receive free meals. By the 2026-2027 school year, free meals will be available to students with family incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level. The bill ensures no student is denied a meal due to inability to pay and allows the Department of Education to collect unpaid meal fees without denying meals.

Hawaii HB1779 expands free school meal coverage to all public school students by 2029-2030.

Hawaii HB1779 aims to address food insecurity among students by expanding free school meal coverage. Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, students who qualify for reduced-price meals will receive free meals. By the 2026-2027 school year, free meals will be available to students with family incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level. The bill ensures no student is denied a meal due to inability to pay and allows the Department of Education to collect unpaid meal fees without denying meals.