HI SCR134

Department of Education urged to submit a detailed report to the Legislature on the true cost of producing school meals, with findings due no later than twenty days before the start of the 2026 Regular Session.

Report must include cost breakdowns for the 2024-2025 school year (current) and projected breakdowns for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, covering ingredients (with local sourcing indicators), operational costs, beverage costs, materials and supplies, and logistics and distribution.

Department must provide meal data including the number of full-price, reduced-price, and free meals served, along with meals subject to and not subject to federal reimbursement, and total cost of all student meals.

Proposed price increases would raise student lunch costs from $2.50 to $4.75 for grades K-8 and from $2.75 to $5.00 for grades 9-12 by the 2028-2029 school year, with the department citing a current production cost of $9.00 per meal.

Certified copies of the resolution shall be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Education.