HI HB328

Requires the Department of Education to authorize and facilitate complex areas or individual public schools to form farm to school meal programs through partnerships, with a goal of 30 percent of food served in public schools consisting of locally sourced products by 2030.

Allows public schools to accept donations and contributions from individuals, nonprofit organizations, or private entities to support farm to school meal programs, subject to superintendent approval.

Mandates that participating schools maintain data and metrics to track progress toward the local farm to school meal goal.

Authorizes the Department of Education to establish a plant-based meal program beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, including the option to designate one day per week for plant-based meal offerings.

Requires the Department of Education to submit interim reports to the legislature by 20 days prior to the 2027 regular session and a final report by 20 days prior to the 2028 regular session; the plant-based meal program expires June 30, 2028.