RELATING TO THE HAWAII CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 19 co-sponsors

HB 497 boosts Hawaii's Child Nutrition Programs by funding the Department of Agriculture, ensuring children access nutritious meals through schools and local organizations.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

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Purpose and Intent

House Bill 497 (HB 497) aims to enhance the Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs by providing necessary appropriations to support the Department of Agriculture in administering these programs. The bill seeks to ensure that children in Hawaii have access to nutritious meals, thereby promoting better health and educational outcomes.

Key Provisions

Appropriation of Funds: The bill includes provisions for the allocation of funds to support various child nutrition initiatives within the state.

Support for the Department of Agriculture: It designates the Department of Agriculture as the primary agency responsible for implementing and managing the Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs.

Grants: The bill outlines the potential for grants to be awarded to local organizations and schools that participate in these nutrition programs, enhancing their capacity to provide healthy meals to children.

Affected Parties

Children in Hawaii: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are children who rely on school meals and other nutrition programs for their daily nutritional needs.

Schools and Local Organizations: Schools and community organizations that participate in child nutrition programs will receive support through grants and funding, enabling them to improve their meal offerings.

Department of Agriculture: The department will have increased resources to effectively manage and oversee the implementation of these programs.

Legislative Timeline and Procedural Aspects

Introduced: January 17, 2025

First Reading: The bill passed its first reading on January 21, 2025.

Committee Reviews:

The Education (EDN) Committee reviewed the bill on January 28, 2025, recommending it be passed with amendments.
The Agriculture (AGR) Committee reviewed the bill on February 7, 2025, also recommending passage with amendments.

Current Status: As of February 11, 2025, the bill has been reported from the AGR committee as amended in HD 2 and is recommended for referral to the Finance (FIN) Committee.

Voting Records: Throughout its legislative journey, the bill has received unanimous support, with no votes against it, although some representatives have been excused from voting.

Related Legislation

Companion Bill: SB 988 serves as a companion bill to HB 497, indicating parallel legislative efforts to address child nutrition in Hawaii.

In summary, HB 497 represents a significant step toward improving child nutrition in Hawaii by providing essential funding and support to the Department of Agriculture and local organizations. The bill's progress through the legislative process reflects strong bipartisan support for enhancing the health and well-being of children across the state.

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