HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education has already served nearly 145,000 free summer meals to children across the state and is encouraging families to continue taking advantage of the program before it ends.
As of June 30, 74 participating public schools had served more than 52,000 breakfasts and 93,000 lunches through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Seamless Summer Option program.
- Free meals are available to all children ages 18 and younger, regardless of whether they attend public school, through July 17
State Superintendent Keith Hayashi said the program helps ensure children have access to nutritious meals while school is out for the summer.
“Every summer, we know many families continue to rely on school meals,” Hayashi said. “We’re proud to provide healthy, locally inspired meals that help students stay nourished and ready to learn while easing the burden on families.”
Menu
This year’s menu includes several locally inspired recipes featuring Hawaiʻi-grown ingredients, including an ʻuala (sweet potato) swirl bun, kalo yogurt bowl, local-style fried rice and loco moco with ʻulu gravy.
- Students can also choose from a daily salad or a vegetarian lunch option
Meal review
At Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani Middle School in Honolulu, Principal Joe Passantino said the meals provide an important resource for students, especially those who depend on school meals during the summer…