HI SCR194

Urges the Department of Education to ensure all public school students, including charter school students, have equal access to appropriate food services.

Identifies that 37 charter schools in Hawaii serve nearly 12,000 students, with over half committed to Hawaiian epistemology and cultural values.

Notes that 70 percent of Hawaiian charter school students are economically disadvantaged and qualify for federal food subsidies, but many lack access to USDA-certified kitchens required for the National School Lunch Program.

States that since 2012, the Department of Education denied charter schools access to nearest existing Department of Education food services, preventing qualified families from receiving federal subsidized meals.

Requests the Department of Education immediately provide school breakfasts and lunches to qualifying charter school students at no additional cost to the schools or students.