NEWS: Sen. Schiff Introduces Legislation to Expand Plant-Based Meal Options for Students

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, introduced the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act, legislation that would create a new grant program for school districts to increase plant-based meal offerings to students.

"Providing additional resources to school districts so that they can provide more plant-based food options brings us a step closer to ensuring that all students can have access to healthy, sustainable meals. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I'm proud to introduce this legislation," said Senator Schiff.

"Plant-based meal options are a nutritious alternative to make sure students can eat food that aligns with their values, preferences, and health. California demonstrated a successful model for providing funding to school districts to expand plant-based offerings, and the federal government should build on this momentum to create more healthy and culturally suitable options," said Senator Padilla.

"America's children deserve to have options for their school lunches and learn in safe and welcoming environments. Our legislation will require schools to offer non-dairy alternatives and plant-based food options any child - not just children with special dietary restrictions. I look forward to working to get this passed alongside Senators Schiff, Padilla, and Booker," said Senator Alsobrooks.

"Every student in New Jersey should have access to healthy meals that align with their dietary needs and preferences so that they are ready to learn, The Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act is a win for children and their communities because it gives schools flexibility to expand their offerings of nutritious meals and supports procurement from local farmers, " said Senator Booker.

Grant funding made available through the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act would support:

• Culinary training and technical assistance for school foodservice operators and staff
• Procurement costs of plant-based sources of protein and milk from underserved 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 and medium sized plant-based food businesses and producers for professional development and training
• School districts who serve a high population of low-income students

The bill would also require school districts to offer a non-dairy milk substitute to any student upon written request from a parent or guardian, even if the child does not have a disability or special dietary need. 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.

This legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). Similar legislation has been introduced by U.S. Representatives Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) and Alma Adams (D-N.C.) in the U.S. House of Representatives.

This effort builds off of Sen. Schiff's advocacy to increase students' access to non-dairy milk through the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025.

The list of endorsers is available here.

The full text of the bill is available here.

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