THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2190
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to school meals.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1. The legislature finds that all students should be assured nutritionally balanced diets to help them become healthy adults who do not suffer from the effects of obesity and malnutrition.

     The Hawaii Medical Journal reports that one-third of Hawaii's school children are now either overweight or at risk of becoming overweight.  Many children consume too much saturated fat and sodium and do not get enough fiber, whole grains, fruits, or vegetables.  As a result, children are increasingly affected by obesity and related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, which were previously considered adult diseases.

     Plant-based foods are cholesterol-free, generally low in fat, lower in calories, and higher in fiber.  Plant-based school meals are not just healthier than conventional school meals, they are some of the healthiest options schools can provide and have the potential to make the biggest impact on improving children's health.  Many children get more than half their daily calories at school, and with each low-fat, plant-based, and high-fiber entree that a child chooses, that child is more likely to lower the risk of becoming overweight and developing diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

     In addition, offering low-fat, plant-based, and high-fiber meal options allows all children – those who are lactose-intolerant, or avoid animal products for religious, ethical, or health reasons – to find healthful lunch options at school.

     Across the country, schools that offer healthy low-fat, plant-based, and high-fiber school meals have found these meals to be well accepted by their students.

     In addition, while many schools have found it difficult to meet the nutritional requirements set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture, offering low-fat, plant-based, and high-fiber school meals will make it easier for schools to meet and even exceed these requirements.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the department of education, in collaboration with the department of health, to develop nutritionally sound public school menu plans that give students the option of low-fat, plant-based, and high-fiber, entrees as part of a school lunch meal.

     SECTION 2.  The department of education shall work with the department of health to develop nutritionally sound public school menu plans that give students the option of low-fat, plant-based, and high-fiber entrees as part of a school lunch meal.

     SECTION 3.  The department of education, in cooperation with the department of health, shall submit to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2015, a report on the nutritionally sound public school menu plans that have been developed and implemented to give students the option of low-fat, plant-based, and high-fiber entrees as part of a school lunch meal.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Department of Education; Department of Health; Public School Meal Plans; Low-fat, Plant-based, and High-fiber Meals

 

Description:

Requires the department of education, in collaboration with the department of health, to develop nutritionally sound public school menu plans that give students the option of low-fat, plant-based, and high-fiber entrees as part of a school lunch meal.

 

 

 

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