HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 042 Draft 01 2024-2026A 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 Hawai‘i Foodbank found that the County of Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i
Senate; the Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura, Speaker of the Hawai‘i 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 _____________, Hawai‘i, this ______ day of ___________________, 20___.
INTRODUCED BY:
_______________________________________
COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I
COUNTY COUNCIL
County of Hawai‘i
Hilo, Hawai‘i
ROLL CALL VOTE
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
HUSTACE
I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by
the vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the
County of Hawai‘i on _____________________________________.
INABA
KAGIWADA
KĀNEALI‘I-KLEINFELDER
KIERKIEWICZ
ATTEST:
KIMBALL
ONISHI
VILLEGAS
Reference:
COUNTY CLERK CHAIRPERSON & PRESIDING OFFICER
RESOLUTION NO.