SENATE EDUCATION CHAIR ENCOURAGES FAMILIES TO APPLY FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEAL PROGRAM
- Hawaiʻi State Senate
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 6
HONOLULU – Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani (D – 18, Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia), Chair of the Committee on Education, is encouraging families to apply for Free and Reduced-Price Meal Benefits with the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE).
Under Act 139 (Senate Bill 1300), students who qualify for reduced-price meals are eligible to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day at no cost for qualifying students.
For the 2025-26 school year, HIDOE will introduce updates to school meal pricing, promoting food equity for more students through free and reduced-price options.
Approximately 11,000 students qualified for reduced-price meals last school year, who would be offered free meal options this year.
As the author of Senate Bill 1300, Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani said, “As a mother and grandmother, I have seen firsthand how hunger affects a child’s ability to focus and learn. I still remember visiting classrooms in my district where teachers kept granola bars or crackers in their desks, just in case a student came to school without breakfast. This bill is about more than food —it’s about dignity, equity, and ensuring every child has a fair chance to succeed. Well-nourished students learn better. I once again thank Governor Green for signing this bill into law, and I encourage families to take advantage of applying to the program.”
The only price increases for the upcoming year apply to second meals for students and adult meals. Prices for all other items, including standard student meals and à la carte items, will remain unchanged.
Students will still be categorized as “reduced-price eligible” under federal guidelines, but at the point of service, their meals will now be marked as “Reduced – No Charge.”
Families are encouraged to apply at EZMealApp for free or reduced-price meal benefits to determine eligibility and take advantage of this new benefit. Further program details are available on the HIDOE website.
