Supporting The Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act

With over 30 million students consuming school lunches every day, the Plant Powered School Meals Coalition feels it is high time they were offered more plant-based food options. Many students rely on school meals, but those following a plant-based diet have limited choices in the school cafeteria. The Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act (H.R.5867) aims to remedy this by aiding schools in adding more plant-based selections to their menu.

Health Benefits of Plant-Based School Meals

The CDC estimates that 1 in 5 children in the U.S. is obese. Research shows multiple benefits of consuming more plant-based foods. It dramatically reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The increased fiber helps balance blood sugar levels and supports good digestive health. Making healthy, plant-rich options available in schools is a key factor in building healthy students and supporting their long-term wellness.

Combating Climate Change One School Lunch at a Time

Approximately 21-37% of global greenhouse gas emissions can be traced to the food and agriculture sector, with the majority stemming from animal-based foods. Animal agriculture releases much more carbon than plant-based agriculture. Animal agriculture also requires more resources, such as water and feed, than growing plants. Increasing plant-based options in school lunches serves to alleviate some of these greenhouse emissions and environmental impacts. “If every public school in the U.S. replaced one beef burger with a plant-based burger each month, we would save 1.4 BILLION pounds of carbon dioxide every year.”

Promoting Dietary Equity & Justice

Between 65-90% of Black, Indigenous, and Asian Americans suffer from lactose intolerance. Despite this fact, dairy and animal products still feature heavily in school meals for grades K-12. This means thousands of students are missing out on safe, nutritious options every day. Increasing access to dairy-free beverages and foods provides these students with healthy alternatives, delivers essential nutrients, and respects cultural and dietary diversity.

Religious-Based Dietary Restrictions

Some students avoid animal-based products for religious reasons. For example, Catholic students avoid meat on Fridays during Lent. Muslim students may only consume foods considered Halal (“lawful or permitted”). Jewish students choose only Kosher (“fit or proper”) foods. Jain students avoid all meat and animal products. These students all deserve nutritious meals that honor their religious beliefs.

Increased Student Demand for More Plant-Based Options

Students have multiple reasons for pursuing plant-based options, and many are speaking out about it. View this video to see some of the reasons students are requesting more plant-based items in their school cafeteria. Without these choices, students may go hungry or be forced to select less nutritious options.

The Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act (H.R.5867)

“This legislation will create a pilot grant program to provide plant-based meals and help overcome barriers for students to access non-dairy milk in our nation’s public schools.”

More students and their families are requesting increased plant-based options in school cafeterias every day. Still, schools face many obstacles when it comes to incorporating these new foods and beverages into their menus. They need technical assistance, training, and nutrition education. The cost of plant-based foods is also higher because animal-based foods are highly subsidized, while plant-based options are not.

The Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act, initiated by the Plant Powered School Meals Coalition and sponsored by Representative Nydia Velazques (D-NY), Representative Alma Adams (D-NC) and Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), seeks to offset some of these barriers. It is an entirely voluntary program and does not affect animal-based meal options. School districts that wish to participate can apply for a grant from the new $10 million grant program. Schools with high populations of food-insecure students or a high population of students with lactose intolerance will receive priority consideration. The schools can use this grant money for:

• Providing culinary training and technical assistance for food service employees.
• Purchasing plant-based sources of protein from “socially disadvantaged producers, local farms, and women, veteran, and beginning farmers”.
• Marketing and student engagement, including conducting taste tests, providing nutrition education, and more.
• Paying for any additional costs incurred in the preparation or serving of plant-based options.

The plan will require schools to provide non-dairy milk substitutes to any child with a written request from a parent or guardian, regardless of whether or not they have a disability. It will also work to help schools balance the cost difference between dairy and non-dairy drinks.

“The Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act (H.R.5867) presents an opportunity to have school meals meet the needs of all students while combating the climate crisis, tackling food insecurity, expanding freedom of choice, and improving student health.”

Other cosponsors of this bill include Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Hank Johnson (D-GA) Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), and Lateefah Simon (D-CA).

Healthy Food Options for All

Whether for religious, health, cultural, or ethical reasons, many students embrace a plant-based lifestyle. Respecting and honoring every lifestyle is paramount to the health and growth of the next generation. Part of this respect is providing proper culinary choices for every student. The Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act will provide a significant stepping-stone toward making these options a reality.

Take Action Today

If you would like to take action along with the Plant Powered School Meals Coalition, text FUTURE to 30373 to tell Congress to support inclusive school meals.