Illinois Offers a Plant-Based Lunch Option - National Humane Education Society
Paws Up! To Governor JB Pritzer, for passing House Bill 4089, this requires all Illinois school districts to offer a plant-based option.
June 7, 2022
HB 4089 was signed into effect on May 13, 2022, by Governor JB Pritzer of Illinois. This bill is an amendment to the School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act. This amendment requires all Illinois school districts to offer a plant-based school lunch option to those that put a request in for one. These changes will go into effect on August 1, 2023. According to a recent article, almost two billion children will receive a plant-based option daily. This news is exciting for those looking to try something new, those with religious beliefs that directly affect their diets, those already eating plant-based diets, and those looking for a healthier option.
New York has a similar bill, introduced by Senator Robert Jackson, Making Equitable and Alternative Lunches (MEAL) Act. This bill requires public schools to offer a plant-based, halal, and kosher option. New York City has already implemented a healthy eating initiative, Vegan Fridays, backed by Mayor Eric Adams. If the bill passes, students in public schools can look forward to plant-based options every day of the week statewide. Illinois is leading the way in the plant-based scene, and one can hope other states will follow by example.
Want to learn more about vegan and vegetarian lifestyles? Follow this link.
