HI HR76

Hawaii House Resolution requests the Department of Education to develop a plan transitioning school meals away from processed meats toward fiber-rich proteins, with complete elimination by 2032 or offering whole-foods plant-based alternatives.

The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, deli meats, ham, pepperoni) as Group 1 carcinogens due to cancer-causing nitrosamines that form from preservatives like sodium nitrite.

The required plan must include an inventory of current menu items containing processed meats, a phase-out timeline, nutritional standards and sourcing guidelines for replacements, and estimated costs with funding opportunities.

The Department of Education must submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the Regular Session of 2027.

Certified copies of the resolution would be transmitted to the Governor, Board of Education Chairperson, Superintendent of Education, Director of Health, and Director of School Food Services.