HI SB2782

Establishes a plant-based food and beverage program within the Department of Education to award funds to participating public schools that serve meals with plant-based food or plant-based milk options.

Schools must submit documentation of plant-based options served during the 2019-2020 school year to be eligible; awards only apply to increases beyond that baseline.

Department of Education shall adopt administrative rules establishing award rates per meal, application procedures, and meal verification processes for participating schools.

Defines "plant-based food option" as foods containing no animal products recognized by USDA as meat alternates under the National School Lunch Program, and "plant-based milk option" as nondairy beverages recognized by USDA as milk substitutes.

Appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal year 2020-2021 to cover staff training, cafeteria equipment purchases, and technical assistance for schools implementing plant-based options; participation is voluntary and awards supplement other state or federal funding.