HI HB497

Transfers the Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs Agency from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture for administrative purposes

Establishes the agency's purpose to conduct audits, provide technical assistance, disburse federal funds, and administer grants to promote purchasing of locally grown foods in schools participating in USDA child nutrition programs

Authorizes grant funding for minimally processed local food purchases, equipment for food preparation, professional development on nutrition and farm-to-school connections, and technical assistance to increase federal child nutrition program participation

Limits administrative costs to no more than 2% of grant funding, with project partners limited to 1% for data collection, outreach, and training

Appropriates funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support the grant program (specific dollar amount left blank in bill text); effective July 1, 3000