HI HCR290

Requests the Department of Education to convene a Public School Cafeteria Leasing Program Working Group to explore leasing or renting school cafeteria facilities to value-added food processors.

Working group must include representatives from the Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Small Business Administration, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, and Kokua Hawaii Foundation.

Working group must examine statutory or regulatory barriers to cafeteria leasing, types of eligible food processors, incorporation of locally-grown produce into school meals, safety and liability concerns, and development of standard lease agreements.

Department of Education must report findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the start of the 2011 Regular Session.

Resolution aims to increase locally-grown fresh produce in school meals to address childhood obesity and improve Hawaii's agricultural industry.