Hawaiʻi Rise Foundation

🌭The Hawaii State Department of Education
(HIDOE) announced that 68 public schools will offer free summer meals to children ages 18 and younger, starting June 12. Meals are available Monday through Friday through the USDA’s Seamless Summer Option (SSO)
program. Children do not need to be enrolled in public school to participate.

🍎 Breakfasts will be served from 7:15 to 8:45 a.m. and lunches from 10:30 a.m. to noon. There will be no service on the July 4 state holiday. The SSO program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and was established to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer.

🥞 For many of our students, school meals are a vital source of daily nutrition,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “Our cafeteria teams are stepping up once again to make sure kids across Hawaii stay healthy and well-fed this summer. We encourage families to take advantage of these free meals - no sign-up or enrollment needed!

🍗 Free summer meals give every child access to quality nutrition during the summer break so they can return to school nourished, focused and ready to learn,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “Our dedicated cafeteria teams will be working hard to ensure children across Hawai’i stay healthy this summer, and we encourage all families to take advantage of these free meals.”

🍳 All meals must be eaten on campus; no grab-and-go options are available. Children 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 [email protected] with as much detail as possible.

🍌To qualify for the SSO program, schools must have at least 50% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch and host a summer
program on campus. Please review the list of participating schools below carefully, as some locations have changed since last summer.”

🍔 for more information go to https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/05/28/free-summer-meals-available-dozens-hawaii-public-schools-this-summer/

Congratulations to Alajshae, recipient of the first ever Mapuana’s Legacy Scholarship 🤍✨

This scholarship was created in honor of Janice Mapuana Javar, a dedicated educator from Nā‘ālehu whose life reflected mentorship, compassion, and a deep commitment to serving her community. It continues her legacy by supporting students who hope to carry those same values forward…

One thing that stood out in Alajshae’s application was her heart for her home community of Kaʻū and her desire to help address healthcare gaps in rural areas.

As she pursues a future as a Pediatric Ultrasound Technician, her vision reaches far beyond personal success. She shared her hope to provide “safe, compassionate, and high-quality diagnostic imaging services” for children and families in rural communities… “I aim to guarantee that young patients in rural communities get the care that they need, while also acting as an inspiration for fellow students who wish to follow health care careers”

What touched us most was the desire not only to pursue opportunity, but to bring opportunity back home 🧡 Keep on making your hometown and your island proud Alajshae! We need more people with your heart for community.