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The law, which went into effect August 2023, requires schools
receiving federal reimbursement for lunch meals to serve
plant-based meals with prior request.
Audrey Sanchez-Lawson, executive director of the public health
advocacy group Balanced, said most parents are not aware of the
law.
“Most people don’t know that it is even an option for them and
there are lots of families and students who would participate in
school lunch if they knew that was an option and we want to make
sure that they have access to that information,” said
Sanchez-Lawson.
Sanchez-Lawson adds that plant-based meals are culturally
inclusive and safe for most common allergies, and studies have
shown that even small changes toward healthier eating can
benefit students’ behavior and improve their academic
performance.
Parents and teens are required to submit a form through the
“More Plants on Plates Illinois" website, and the school
district takes care of the rest.
"Illinois’ commitment to providing plant-based meals in schools
is about offering healthier choices for our children,” said
state Rep. Cyril Nichols, D-Chicago, who spearheaded the
legislation. “This new website makes it simple for parents to
opt-in, and I hope other states will follow Illinois’ lead and
encourage more healthy, sustainable options for school lunch to
support our children’s health and wellbeing."
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