In the 2017-18 school year, the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) is again expanding a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program to allow all students at those schools to receive free meal service. The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) allows a school district, a group of schools or a single school to serve free meals to everyone even if they do not qualify for the free or reduced lunch reimbursement.
- 2015-16: seven schools
- 2016-17: 30 schools
- 2017-18: 52 schools
Students who attend schools that are not in the pilot program can apply for free or reduced lunch through the National School Lunch Program.
Program Benefits:
- Students: Access to free nutritious meals for all students, no stigma, and less time spent in cashier lines and more time to eat nutritious meals
- Parents/Administrators: No more worrying about individual student accounts and no collection of money
- School staff: Streamlined meal service operation and more time for students to consume their food
