Federal grant to help access to free meals at Hawaii public schools

Hawaii public schools are getting $1.5 million from the federal government to help with accurate processing of applications for free and reduced-price meals.

U.S. Rep Mazie Hirono’s office announced Friday that Hawaii is to receive the largest amount of any of the six award-winning states.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture grant is to help the state ensure that all students who qualify receive free and reduced-price meals.

Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals.

The grant also helps the state ensure that only qualified students receive those meals.