HI HR113

Request for the Department of Health's Healthy Hawaii Initiative to convene a School Gardens Task Force to determine how to expand school gardens programs statewide.

Task Force to include representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii community colleges culinary programs, Kokua Hawaii Foundation, The Kohala Center Hawaii Island School Garden Network, Ulupono Initiative, MA'O Organic Farms, and Hawaii Association of Independent Schools.

Task Force must report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the Regular Session of 2012 with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation or funding needs.

Resolution cites that 28% of Hawaii school-aged children are overweight or obese and over 19% of Hawaii residents live in food insecure households, highlighting the need for farm-to-school programs.

Certified copies of the resolution directed to the Director of Health, Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, Superintendent of Education, and representatives of all participating organizations.