Velázquez Leads Seven Members in Requesting Information on Availability of Plant-Based and Alternate Protein Meals in Schools

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) led seven colleagues in penning a letter to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) requesting an update on the status of the collection of data on the expansion of plant-based and other alternative protein meal options in schools.

Under the FY2023 House Agriculture Appropriations Bill, FNS was directed to collect, analyze, and publish research on the availability of alternate protein meal options for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP).

“More than 8 months have passed since the passage of the FY2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, and as more schools across the country are seeking to expand plant-based meal options, this information is greatly needed by state and local school meal administrators to ensure compliance with FNS’s meal pattern requirements,” wrote the lawmakers.

Leading public health organizations all encourage fiber-rich, plant-forward diets. Implementing more plant-based proteins has the potential to foster greater alignment of school meals with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend increasing the consumption of beans, peas, and lentils, increasing dietary fiber, and replacing processed meats.

Due to racial and cultural diversity in student populations, plant-based meals are increasingly vital to satisfy the dietary, religious, and cultural needs of students. There is an abundant amount of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) who not only prefer but find it necessary to follow a plant-based diet.

“The K-12 student population has become increasingly racially and culturally diverse, as well as environmentally conscious and concerned for animal welfare,” wrote the lawmakers. “Right now, there is a clear need to prioritize the adoption of plant-based food in schools, but it is critical to have the data and research to guide school meal administrators in this implementation.”

In addition to Velázquez, the letter was signed by Representatives: Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), and Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL).

For a full copy of the letter, click here.

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