Hawaiʻi sees first school meal reimbursement rate increase in 40 years

A long awaited boost to federal child nutrition program funds announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in February, is now flowing into the state. 

Hawaiʻi’s reimbursement rate for school meals and other federal child nutrition programs has been increased to 30 percent above the continental U.S. rates, which is projected to bring an additional $8 million a year to Hawaiʻi to support healthy meals for children.

With more than 50 additional cents per free lunch or supper served under the National School Lunch Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program, these increased rates will help Hawaiʻi K-12 schools, child care and early learning, afterschool, and summer programs provide meals and snacks to more than 100,000 children.