By Reed Mangels, PhD, RD
Currently the requirements for public schools in the United States to provide a substitute for cow’s milk for non-disability reasons (such as a vegan diet) include a fluid milk substitute meets specified nutrition standards, the milk substitute is requested in writing by a medical authority or the child’s parent or legal guardian, and the school must cover any expenses that exceed program reimbursements.
Recently, the bipartisan Freedom in School Cafeterias and Lunches (FISCAL) Act (S.1236), was introduced in the Senate by Sens. John Fetterman (D-PA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and John Kennedy (R-LA). This bill , would make it easier for schools to serve plant-based milks that are nutritionally equivalent to cow’s milk. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. The bill was introduced in the House (H.R. 2539 FISCAL Act) by Reps. Nancy Mace (R-SC), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), and John Mannion (D-NY) and was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
To read more about school meals see:
USDA Issues Revisions to Child Nutrition Programs
Getting Vegan Food into Schools
Vegan Options in a California School
Vegan Options in Portland, ME School Lunch