SENATE VICE PRESIDENT MICHELLE KIDANI CHAMPIONS ACCESS TO FREE SCHOOL MEALS THROUGH PASSAGE OF SB 1300
- Hawaiʻi State Senate
- May 2
- 2 min read
Updated: May 5
HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi State Senate has advanced a major step towards addressing food insecurity among public school students with the passage of Senate Bill 1300, authored by Senate Vice President Michelle Kidani (District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia).
SB 1300 appropriates critical funding to expand access to free school meals and provide support for families classified as ALICE – Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed – working families who may not qualify for existing assistance programs but still struggle to meet their children’s basic needs.
The bill includes:
· $565,000 in FY2025–2026 and $565,000 in FY2026–2027 to provide free meals to public school students based on economic need.
· $2.8 million in FY2026–2027 to subsidize meals for students from ALICE households.
The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
“As the author of this bill and Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, I firmly believe that nourishing our children is fundamental to their success in school and in life. Students who are fed are better able to focus, to learn, and to grow,” said Senate Vice President Kidani. “As the Senator of District 18, I still remember classrooms in my district where teachers would keep snacks in their desks – for students who come to school hungry. As a mother and a grandmother, it is my firm belief that no child should have to worry about where their next meal will come from – especially not while trying to learn.”
Senate Vice President Kidani also extended her thanks to First Lady Jaime Green, who has been a strong and vocal supporter of SB 1300 from the beginning. “Her presence and advocacy at our conference hearing was a powerful reminder of what’s at stake for our keiki,” Kidani added.
SB 1300 now heads to the Governor’s desk for consideration.