Bill > A01834

This bill requires all public schools in New York to offer plant-based food options as an alternative to every meal or snack served in their food service, upon request by a student or their parent or guardian. These plant-based options, which are defined as food and beverages free of animal products like meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, eggs, and honey, and which meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture's definition of a meat alternate for protein, must be offered at no extra cost compared to non-plant-based alternatives. Schools must also include information about the availability of these options in their written materials describing food offerings, and respond to requests in a reasonable manner. The bill clarifies that students who request a plant-based option can still choose a non-plant-based meal, and that schools can offer plant-based options even if not requested. The law will take effect immediately but will apply to school food service starting with the school year that begins one year after the bill becomes law.