S.C.R. NO. 214 Summary

• Urges the Hawaii Department of Education Food Services Branch to adopt an addendum to its 'Āina Pono agreements requiring procurement of goods and/or services from food hubs.

• Establishes that 'Āina Pono, the farm-to-school initiative, currently operates at Kohala School Complex on the Big Island and Mililani High, Mililani Uka Elementary, and Mililani Waena Elementary schools on Oahu since 2018.

• Identifies food hubs as infrastructure providers that offer aggregation, storage, processing, distribution, and marketing support to small and mid-sized farmers unable to afford these facilities independently.

• Recognizes that increased procurement of local agricultural products supports local farmers' economic sustainability, promotes rural communities, and advances the state's goal of doubling local food production and improving food security.

• Directs certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Board of Agriculture Chairperson, State Procurement Office Administrator, DOE Superintendent, and School Food Services Branch Director.