All students in Hawaii public schools will receive free meals in the 2021-22 school year

The Hawaii Department of Education announced Thursday that every student enrolled in the state’s 257 public schools will receive free breakfast and lunch for the entire 2021-2022 school year.

Meals will be offered due to a nationwide waiver granted by the United States Department of Agriculture that aims to minimize the spread of COVID-19 by eliminating meal payment transactions in school cafeterias – places where students and cashiers may not be able to maintain appropriate social distancing.

Federal funds will reimburse state education departments for meal expenses.

“No family will have to pay for food at their registered school site, which is very exciting,” State Superintendent Christina Kishimoto told the board.

According to the ministry, parents and guardians who have not yet purchased meal credits for the upcoming school year through the EZMealApp mobile app or through their school do not need to take any action.

Those who have already purchased meal credits in advance can choose to leave funds in the account for the next school year or contact their child’s school to request a refund.

Students will only receive meals at their enrollment school. While breakfast and lunch will be free, additional meals or food taken in the same session will be charged at a regular rate, officials said.

“It has been a difficult time for our ohana, and I am proud to continue to support our safety net with actions that improve the food security of our students while bringing economic relief to our families,” Kishimoto said in a statement. Press release. “The health and safety of our haumana continues to be our top priority, and as we fully reopen schools to in-person learning, this waiver will allow for a more efficient, non-contact experience for students and our catering team.” . “