Public Schools to Offer Free Meals During Summer Break

Eighty-three public schools throughout the state will serve meals free of charge over the summer break to children ages 18 years and younger through its summer food service program.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education announced on Friday that meals will be offered to keiki regardless of public school enrollment status.

“Good nutrition is vital to the health and development of our growing keiki and summer food service programs help to ensure that meals are available for all school-aged children during the summer break,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “We encourage our parents to make these meals part of your child’s summer schedules to give them balanced and nutritious options. We thank our devoted cafeteria staff and administrators and our federal partners for making this program possible each year.”

Beginning in early June the Seamless Summer Option, or SSO program will serve meals at select schools Monday through Friday, with the exception of King Kamehameha Day on June 10 and Independence Day. SSO is funded by the U.S.Department of Agriculture and was established to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer.

Summer meals will no longer be offered in “Grab & Go” containers and will return to on-campus dining only, the standard format used prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, HIDOE officials stated. Meal recipients do not have to be enrolled at a participating school to be served, and meals will consist of solid foods.

For special diet accommodations, email specialdiets@k12.hi.us with as much detail as possible.

According to HIDOE, schools can opt to serve breakfast only, lunch only, or both meals. Parents should view detailed serving locations and times here or call their nearest participating school directly for more details.

Schools eligible for the SSO program must have 50% or more of its regularly enrolled students qualified for free or reduced-price lunches and some type of summer program on campus.

Below is a list of participating schools on Hawaiʻi Island:

DeSilva Elementary
Hilo High
Honokaʻa High & Intermediate
Kau High & Pahala Intermediate
Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate
Kaumana Elementary
Keaʻau Elementary
Keaʻau High
Keaʻau Middle
Kelakehe High
Keaukaha Elementary
Keonepoko Elementary
Kohala Elementary
Kohala High
Kohala Middle
Mountain View Elementary
Nāʻālehu Elementary & Intermediate
Pāhoa High & Intermediate
Waiakea High
Waiakea Intermediate
Waimea Elementary