Join the Justice & Witness Team in Speaking Out Against Rising School Lunch Prices

Did you know that the Department of Education is proposing to nearly double the cost of school meals over the next four years?

Under this proposal, school lunches would increase from either $2.50 or $2.75 to $4.75 or $5.00 by the ’28-‘29 school year. This would disproportionality affect students from low-income families and students, who are already at higher risk. The Board of Education will vote on this proposal on Thursday, January 16 at 6:30 pm.

As followers of Christ, we are called to care for children and those who are disadvantaged and oppressed. And, we know that Christ freely fed the crowds with not just spiritual food, but physical food too. Let us stand with our students and families who are most in need by submitting testimony to the Board of Education in opposition to this proposal. Testimony must be submitted by 11:30 am tomorrow, January 15. If you are willing to provide oral testimony at the meeting, you can also indicate that on the form.

Please join the Justice and Witness Missional Team in raising our voices for justice. See more info below and please feel free to share with others.

This Action Alert comes from the Hawai‘i Public Health Institute:

Aloha,

At the Board of Education’s meeting on Thursday, January 16, the DOE is proposing to nearly double the cost of school meals over the next four school years. School lunches would increase from $2.50 for elementary and middle school students and $2.75 for high school students to $4.75 and $5.00 by the 2028-2029 school year. This change would have a dramatic impact on Hawaiʻi’s working families, who are already struggling with our state’s high cost of living. Rather than raising the price of school meals, the DOE should support the implementation of free school meals for all. Studies have shown that schools that implemented free school meals experience gains in Math and English test scores equivalent to six additional weeks of school.

Please submit testimony in opposition to the DOE’s proposed school meals price hike. The deadline to submit your testimony is Wednesday, January 15, at 11:30 AM. Please make sure to select "IV, Fees for student activities, summer school, school meals, and bus transportation" on the form. You may also sign up to submit oral testimony using the same form if you are available to do so. 

SAMPLE TESTIMONY

I oppose increasing the price of school meals for our school system. This would be a financial burden for working families, who already face one of the highest costs of living in the nation.

According to a new ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) report, nearly half (46 percent) of ALICE households struggle with consistent food access. The report also found that over one-third (37 percent) of households have considered leaving Hawaiʻi due to high living and housing costs.

Rather than raising the price of school meals, the DOE should implement free school meals for all. Studies have shown that schools that implemented free school meals experience gains in Math and English test scores equivalent to six additional weeks of school.

Please do not increase basic costs for hardworking ʻohana. Instead, let’s work together to end hunger for our keiki.