Bill > S00996

This bill amends the education law to require public schools to offer plant-based food options as an alternative to every meal or snack offered in their food service. The bill defines a "plant-based food option" as food or beverages that are free of animal products and recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture as a meat alternate for the national school lunch program. Schools must respond reasonably to requests from students or their parents for plant-based options, and provide these options at no additional cost to the student. The bill also requires schools to consult with their school district nutrition advisory committee in implementing these requirements, which will apply beginning one year after the bill becomes law.