What does Preamble of Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act do?

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. It establishes a pilot grant program. The program would provide grants to school food authorities. The grants are intended to support the provision of 100 percent plant-based food and milk options.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act.

What does PLANT-BASED FOODS IN SCHOOLS. of Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act do?

This section establishes a pilot grant program to support eligible school food authorities in offering 100 percent plant-based food options. Grants awarded under this program will have a term of three years and may be of diverse amounts. To be eligible, school food authorities must submit an application including a participatory evaluation plan and a plan for culturally appropriate meals. Priority will be given to authorities serving a high proportion of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals and demonstrating collaboration with community partners. Grant funds can be used for professional development training for food service personnel, compensation for training participants and additional work, technical assistance, and outreach to agricultural producers. Eligible producers include underserved producers, limited resource farmers, certified organic farms, and local farmers. School food authorities receiving grants must keep records and submit annual reports on the program's impact. The Secretary will provide technical assistance to facilitate coordination and sharing of information. The term '100 percent plant-based food option' means a meal option or component that does not contain any animal products and includes a meat alternate. An eligible school food authority is one where 50 percent or more of students served are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch or breakfast.

What does ACCOMMODATING DIETARY REQUIREMENTS. of Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act do?

This section amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to accommodate dietary needs of students. Schools are not prohibited from substituting foods to accommodate medical needs or religiously-based dietary needs. Schools must provide a substitute for fluid milk for students with disabilities as a reasonable accommodation. Schools may substitute nondairy beverages for fluid milk based on a written request from a student or their guardian, or for students with medical or special dietary needs. A pilot grant program is established to reimburse school food authorities for the cost of providing nondairy beverages. Priority for the pilot program will be given to school food authorities serving students with high rates of lactose intolerance or demonstrating a need for nondairy beverages. School food authorities participating in the pilot program must submit reports to the Secretary regarding the number of schools and students served.

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Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act

Last updated: 10/28/2025 · Introduced: 10/28/2025

Author: Nydia Velázquez (D-NY)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a pilot grant program to support school food authorities in offering 100 percent plant-based food options, prioritizing those serving high proportions of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
The bill requires schools to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities or religious dietary needs, including substitutes for fluid milk and nondairy beverages.
A separate pilot grant program will reimburse school food authorities for the cost of providing nondairy beverages, prioritizing those serving students with high rates of lactose intolerance.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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