HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 042 Draft 01 2024-2026J�tV^oF H��
COUNTY OF HAWAI`I
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RESOLUTION NO.
STATE OF HAWAI`I
A RESOLUTION URGING THE STATE OF HAWAI`I TO IMPLEMENT A
UNIVERSAL FREE SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM THAT PROMOTES
NUTRITIONAL EQUITY, SUPPORTS LOCAL AGRICULTURE, AND ENHANCES
STUDENT SUCCESS.
WHEREAS, a 2024 report commissioned by the Hawaii Foodbank found that the
County of Hawaii has the highest rate of food insecurity in the State, with nearly forty percent
(40%) of households struggling to consistently provide nutritious meals; and
WHEREAS, the same report also stated that, among households with children, nearly ten
percent (10%) reported having children who needed to skip meals on at least a monthly basis
because there was not enough money for food; and
WHEREAS, hunger negatively affects students' academic performance, attendance, and
focus and increases the likelihood of stress, chronic health issues, and depression; and
WHEREAS, students with insufficient meal account balances are often denied school
breakfast and lunch, exacerbating the negative consequences of hunger, stigmatization, and other
barriers to learning; and
WHEREAS, approximately 70,000 families in Hawaii fall into an income range in
which they earn too much to qualify for free or reduced -cost meals but not enough to keep up
with rising living costs, including food prices; and
WHEREAS, studies show that access to free, nutritious school meals results in test score
improvements equivalent to six additional weeks of learning, leading to better educational
outcomes; and
WHEREAS, universal free school meal programs in eight states, viz. California,
Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Vermont, have
demonstrated success in reducing food insecurity, improving student health, and enhancing
academic performance; and
WHEREAS, a universal free school meals program that prioritizes local sourcing and
regional procurement will create economic opportunities for local farmers, ranchers, and food
producers while ensuring students have access to culturally appropriate, nutrient -rich meals; and
WHEREAS, the estimated annual cost to provide free schools meals for all public school
students statewide is $25 million, which is just over one percent (1%) of the state Department of
Education's entire budget; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I that this
body hereby strongly urges the State of Hawai`i to implement a universal free school meals
program so that all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, have access to nutritious
meals essential for academic success and personal well-being.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State incorporate local and regional food
procurement strategies into the development of this program and prioritize Hawai`i-grown and
Hawai`i-made products to strengthen local food systems and support food sustainability goals.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall transmit a copy of this
resolution to the Honorable C. Kimo Alameda, Mayor of the County of Hawai`i; the Honorable
Joshua B. Green, M.D., Governor of Hawai`i; Keith T. Hayashi, Superintendent of Education;
Roy M. Takumi, Chairperson of the Board of Education; the Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi,
President of the Hawaii Senate; the Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura, Speaker of the Hawaii
House of Representatives; the Honorable Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair of the Committee on
Ways and Means, Hawai`i Senate; the Honorable Michelle N. Kidani, Chair of the Committee on
Education, Hawai`i Senate; the Honorable Kyle T. Yamashita, Chair of the Committee on
Finance, Hawai`i House of Representatives; the Honorable Justin H. Woodson, Chair of the
Committee on Education, Hawai`i House of Representatives; the Honorable Richard T. Bissen,
Mayor of the County of Maui; the Honorable Richard J. Blangiardi, Mayor of the City and
County of Honolulu; and the Honorable Derek S. K. Kawakami, Mayor of the County of Kaua`i.
Dated at Kona , Hawai`i, this 22nd day of January , 20 25 .
' INTRO UCED BY:
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COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI`I
COUNTY COUNCIL ROLL CALL VOTE
County of Hawaii AYES NOES ABS EX
Hilo, Hawai`i GALIMBA X
HUSTACE X
I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by INABA X
the vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the KAGIWADA X
County of Hawaii on January 22, 2025
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
ATTEST: KIMBALL X
ONISHI X
VILLEGAS X
8 0 1 0
.::::;?:ye .;:------1 Reference: C-61/GOEAC-11
/CAIRPERSON&PRESIDING OFFICER RESOLUTION NO. 42 '�5
TY CLERK H
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