The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education reported that by June 30 it had distributed almost 145,000 free meals to children at school sites as part of a federally supported summer feeding program.
Scope and schedule
The meals were offered under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Seamless Summer Option at 74 participating public schools. As of the end of June, the program had served about 52,000 breakfasts and 93,000 lunches. Free weekday meal service continues through July 17 for young people up to age 18, whether or not they attend the public schools that host sites.
Local menu changes and participation
This year’s menu highlights locally sourced recipes developed by the state system. New items include a sweet potato swirl bun, a kalo yogurt bowl, a local-style fried rice and a loco moco with breadfruit gravy. Students are also offered a daily salad and a vegetarian lunch choice.
Around 20 schools on the Big Island are participating this summer. Among them are Hilo High School, Keaʻau High School, Waiākea High School, Pāhoa High and Intermediate, and schools in Kohala and Honokaʻā. The department emphasized that the meals are available to any child 18 and younger at participating sites.
Why it matters
School meal programs expand access to nutrition outside the regular school year and can reduce pressure on family budgets during summer months. The state education department framed the meals as a way to keep students nourished and ready to learn when classes resume.
“Every summer, we know many families continue to rely on school meals,” said Hawaiʻi Superintendent of Schools Keith Hayashi in a state release. “We’re proud to provide healthy, locally inspired meals that help students stay nourished and ready to learn while easing the burden on families.”
“We’re super grateful for the program, and the food that’s provided for our demographic and our population is really what they look forward to,” said Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani Middle School Principal Joe Passantino, noting the importance of the service for students who may not eat at home during the break.
- Who qualifies: Children age 18 and younger, any household.
- When: Weekdays, through July 17 at participating sites.
- Where: 74 public schools statewide, including roughly 20 on the Big Island.
Program data at a glance
| Measure | Count |
|---|---|
| Total meals served (through June 30) | ~145,000 |
| Breakfasts | ~52,000 |
| Lunches | ~93,000 |
| Participating public schools | 74 |
Parents and caregivers seeking meal locations or schedules should check the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education website or contact their local school. The program’s combination of free access, extended hours during the week and menus using local ingredients reflects ongoing efforts to tie child nutrition to community food systems and school supports.
