HI SR140

Requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create a plan to transition school meals away from processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, deli meats, ham, pepperoni) toward fiber-rich proteins, with complete elimination by 2032 or provision of whole-foods plant-based alternatives.

Cites the World Health Organization's classification of processed meats as Group 1 carcinogens due to compounds like sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate that can form cancer-causing nitrosamines during high-heat cooking.

Requires the plan to include an inventory of current menu items containing processed meats, a phase-out timeline, nutritional standards for replacement options, and estimated costs with funding opportunities.

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