HI SB2182

Establishes a School Garden Coordinator position within the Department of Education's Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design to support school garden programs statewide.

Appropriates $200,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2022-2023 to fund one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) permanent position and related expenses for technical support and startup resources.

Coordinator will support the Hawaii farm to school program goals of improving student health, developing an agricultural workforce, and accelerating garden and farm-based education in public schools.

Recognizes that learning gardens on school campuses improve student mental and physical health, academic achievement, and social-emotional well-being while reducing strain on indoor classrooms.

Takes effect on July 1, 2022.