Velázquez and Adams Introduces the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Representatives Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Alma Adams (D-NC) introduced the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act. This bill would create a voluntary grant program for school districts to help schools provide healthier, climate friendly, and culturally appropriate plant-based entrée options to students.

According to the CDC, approximately 39% of New York City public school children in kindergarten through eighth grade are overweight or obese, and 1 in 5 children and adolescents nationwide are affected by obesity. Expanding access to nutritious, plant-based meals in schools can play a critical role in improving children's health and addressing these alarming trends.

"Our children deserve meals that nourish their bodies and protect their future," said Velázquez. "I'm proud to introduce the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act which will give our students the option of a plant-based entrée. As rates of childhood obesity continue to rise, expanding access to nutritious, plant-based meals is a simple, commonsense step toward building a healthier generation and a more sustainable planet."

"As a former educator of 40 years, I know how important it is that schools can nourish the minds, bodies, and souls of their students," said Adams. "I am proud to introduce the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act to provide healthier school meal options to our children and ensure we are meeting each student's dietary needs so they can be successful in the classroom and throughout their day."

The bill will not only promote healthier outcomes for children but also advance efforts to combat climate change. Research consistently shows that animal-based foods are significantly more carbon-intensive than plant-based alternatives. By fostering the development and accessibility of climate-friendly meal options in schools, this legislation supports both public health and our nation's broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions.

The funds that would be made available through the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act would provide for:

• Culinary training and technical assistance for school foodservice operators and staff
• Procurement costs of plant-based sources of protein and milk from socially disadvantaged producers, local producers, and women, veteran, and beginning farmers
• Marketing and student engagement, such as conducting taste tests and providing nutrition education
• Additional labor costs incurred in preparing and serving plant-based options
• Partnering with small to medium sized plant-based food businesses and producers for professional development and training
• School districts who serve a high population of food insecure students will be prioritized under the new pilot program.

The bill would also require school districts to offer a non-dairy milk substitute to any student upon a written request from a parent or guardian, even if the child does not have a disability. Additionally, the bill authorizes school districts to provide non-dairy milk alternatives, consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, to any student as part of a reimbursable meal, without the need for a doctor's note.

A copy of the legislation can be found HERE.

This bill is also cosponsored by 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).

Find the quotes of support HERE.

Find the list of endorsements HERE.

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