HI SB609

Department of Education must work with Department of Health to develop nutritionally-sound public school menu plans that offer students a vegetarian entrée option at least once per week.

Requires the departments to submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2014 regular session convening, detailing the menu plans developed and implemented.

Bill findings cite that one-third of Hawaii's school children are overweight or at risk of obesity, and vegetarian diets are associated with lower body mass index rates and reduced diabetes incidence.

Establishes that all students should have access to nutritionally-balanced meals regardless of their dietary preferences or family food choices.