In Hawai‘i, food insecurity impacts one in three households, affecting the health and education of children across the state. Many families earn too much to qualify for free school meals, yet not enough to meet basic living costs. As a result, too many students miss out on essential nutrition that supports their well-being and academic success.

Universal free school meals would ensure that every student has access to nutritious breakfasts and lunches, fostering better physical and mental health while enhancing learning outcomes. Research shows that access to free meals can improve test scores by as much as six additional weeks of school.

We invite you to join Hawai‘i Public Health Institute (HIPHI) and Hawai‘i Appleseed in supporting this critical legislation by signing on to this letter. Together, we can help ensure that all of Hawai‘i’s keiki have the nourishment they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

Please reach out to Nate Hix, nate@hiphi.org, with any questions. Mahalo!

*As of 2/6/2025 more than 650 individuals and 75 organizations have signed on in support including AlohaCare, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, County of Hawai‘i, Democratic Party of Hawai‘i Education Caucus, Food+ Policy, Hawai‘i Foodbank, Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA), Hawai‘i Children's Action Network Speaks!, Hawai‘i Department of Health, Hawai‘i Farmers Union, Hawai‘i Good Food Alliance, Hawai‘i Workers Center, Maui County Dept. of Agriculture, Maui Food Bank, Maui Nui Food Alliance, NDN Collective, Our Hawai‘i and The Food Basket. Our goal is to get to 1,000 individuals and 100 organizations!