THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	90
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

urging the department of education to incorporate plant-based proteins IN meals served IN public schools.

WHEREAS, a plant-based diet has been shown to reduce the chance of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers, among other things; and

WHEREAS, fifty percent of children between the ages of two and fifteen already have fatty streaks in their arteries and research shows that within ten years, half the nation will be obese; and

WHEREAS, the average meat and dairy products served in school are highly processed and treated with antibiotics and growth hormones, which can impact health outcomes; and

WHEREAS, the agricultural industry, including produce, animals, and grain, generates approximately one fourth of all greenhouse gas emissions; and

WHEREAS, an increase in plant-based protein consumption can be beneficial not only to the health of Hawaii's students, but also to the environment; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Education is beginning to incorporate more plant-based and vegetarian options into school menus at the request of students; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2023, that the Department of Education is urged to incorporate plant-based proteins in place of animal proteins in fifty percent of meals served in public schools; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Education, and Superintendent of Education.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Department of Education; Plant-Based Proteins; School Lunch