HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	47
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP A POLICY TO OFFER VEGETARIAN MEALS ON A REGULAR BASIS IN ALL SCHOOL MENU PLANS.

     WHEREAS, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Cancer Society, American Dietetic Association, American Heart Association, and National Institutes of Health recommend that there be greater emphasis in the American diet on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; and

     WHEREAS, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, individuals following healthy plant-based diets are less likely to be overweight or obese, and they have a reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, and some cancers; and

     WHEREAS, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has also found that vegetarian teens have higher intakes of essential vitamins and minerals; and

     WHEREAS, fruits and vegetables promote good health because they contain fiber and essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are low in fat and calories, contain phytochemicals that may provide additional protection to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, and contain no cholesterol; and

WHEREAS, all students should have access to nutritionally-balanced diets to ensure they become healthy adults who do not suffer from the effects of obesity and malnutrition; and

WHEREAS, a significant minority of Hawaii school children identify themselves as vegetarian; and

     WHEREAS, students who identify themselves as vegetarian, or come from vegetarian families, desire access to vegetarian meals in the public schools; and are at a disadvantage if no vegetarian options are offered; and

     WHEREAS, some public schools are able to provide vegetarian meals; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2009, that the Board of Education is requested to develop a policy to offer vegetarian meals on a regular basis in all school menu plans; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to post on its website a list of schools that have vegetarian menu options; and

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

Report Title: 

School Menu Plans; Vegetarian