THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	175
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE HAWAII PUBLIC SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE TO CONTINUE DEVELOPING NUTRITIONALLY-SOUND PUBLIC SCHOOL MENUS WITH VEGETARIAN OPTIONS.

     WHEREAS, all students attending public schools should have access to nutritionally-balanced food choices that will help them to become healthy adults; and

     WHEREAS, diets that include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have been proven to promote good health and well-being, and to ward off the effects of obesity and malnutrition that have become prevalent in our American culture; and

     WHEREAS, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contain fiber, essential nutrients, phytochemicals, are low in fat and calories, and contain no cholesterol; and

     WHEREAS, diets high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may provide additional protection against the risk of certain cancers and heart disease; and

     WHEREAS, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Cancer Society, American Dietetic Association, American Heart Association, and National Institute of Health recommend that diets should include a balance of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; and

     WHEREAS, the Vegetarian Society has expressed interest in working with the Department of Education to explore vegetarian options at public schools; and

     WHEREAS, the Department of Education has instituted a three-year plan to meet nutrition objectives through its wellness policy; and

     WHEREAS, it is requested that the Department of Education move forward with the implementation of its wellness policy, focusing on using more fresh fruits and vegetables, minimizing trans fat, and adding more whole grains into their recipes; and

     WHEREAS, it is also requested that the Department of Education allow School Food Service Managers to provide an alternate protein item in accordance with the USDA meal pattern requirement for the National School Lunch Program; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2008, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Education and the Hawaii public school food service are requested to continue to develop nutritionally-sound public school menus with vegetarian options; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any Department of Education school may voluntarily implement a pilot project making vegetarian menu options available as supplements to existing school menus; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2009, on public school menu plans that incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and minimize trans fats; and

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

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

School Menus; Vegetarian; Nutrition; Health