Hawaii House Bill HR135

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/14/22
• Report Pass: 3/31/22
• Refer: 3/31/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Add Farm To School Implementation Standards To The Annual School Principal Evaluations.

Impact

If enacted, HR135 would significantly influence school food policies in Hawaii. By urging the Department of Education to establish these standards, the bill aims to create a more cohesive framework for incorporating locally grown food into public school menus. This could potentially foster better health outcomes for students, connecting educational achievements with enhanced nutrition and support for local farmers and small businesses.

Summary

House Resolution 135 (HR135) requests the Hawaii Department of Education to develop and integrate farm to school implementation standards into the annual evaluations of school principals. The aim is to enhance the access of students, especially the keiki of Hawaii, to fresh, locally sourced foods through school food programs. This initiative stems from previous pilot programs conducted between 2016 and 2018, which demonstrated the effectiveness of improving local food availability in schools. The bill emphasizes the importance of a well-structured approach that necessitates both centralized strategies at the Department level and tailored efforts at individual schools.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding HR135 may involve the resources and training required for teachers and school staff to effectively implement the proposed standards. There could be discussions about the feasibility of transitioning to a farm-to-school model, including possible logistical challenges regarding food sourcing, storage, and preparation. Additionally, the collaboration with local organizations, such as the Hawaii Government Employees Association, may raise debates about stakeholder involvement and the projected impacts on school budgets.