HI SCR171

Urges the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to prioritize hiring dedicated staff at each school campus to manage federal school meal programs, including the National School Lunch Program.

Requests the Department of Education seek federal funding from sources such as the United States Department of Agriculture to hire dedicated staff for public school campuses to manage federal meal programs.

Identifies staffing shortages and geographical distance as barriers for schools in rural areas and neighbor islands (citing Kahakai Elementary School, Kealakehe Intermediate School, and Konawaena High School in Hawai'i County) in utilizing federal school meal program benefits.

Requires the Department of Education to submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2023.

Directs certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Interim Superintendent of Education and Interim Executive Director of the State Public Charter School Commission.