California’s $500M School Kitchen Budget Now Backs Plant-Based Food and Milk Purchases
California has approved a 2026-27 state budget that directs $500 million in one-time backing to the Kitchen Infrastructure and Training (KIT) Program, with new language permitting school districts to spend the money on plant-based foods and non-dairy milks alongside kitchen upgrades and staff training.
“California is giving districts greater flexibility to serve nutritious meals that reflect the diverse dietary needs”
The 2025 round of KIT funding, worth $145 million, ran on a competitive grant basis and, for the first time, gave schools discretion over California-grown food purchases. The 2026-27 tranche extends that flexibility to plant-based procurement.
Language championed by Assemblymember Garcia The plant-based procurement provision was carried by Assemblymember Robert Garcia (D-Rancho Cucamonga), who represents California’s 50th Assembly District. Additional support came from Assemblymembers Kalra, Patel, Zbur, Haney, and Bryan, along with Senator Ochoa Bogh. Image: CDC on Unsplash “I thank the Governor and my fellow Legislators for helping secure California students more school food options.
The expanded dietary flexibility will allow students access to meals that meet their needs, and a child who is not worried about hunger is a child who will be able to learn,” told reporters Garcia. Building on federal reform The state provision follows the enactment of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (S. 222), signed into law on January 14.
The federal legislation threw open its doors the door for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer nutritionally equivalent non-dairy beverages to all students, ending an 80-year cow’s milk mandate. California’s budget converts that federal flexibility into a funded procurement route.
Without state dollars attached to the reform, individual districts faced budget constraints in adding plant-based items to menus. PBFA coordinated with member firms, school districts, health groups, parents. NGO partners in the run-up to the vote, and a coalition letter requesting the plant-based line item was signed by more than 120 California school districts and partner organizations.
Marjorie Mulhall, who was named permanent executive director of PBFA in April 2026, framed the outcome as a template for state-level implementation of the federal reform. “This is a sizeable win for California students, families, and school nutrition programs. By allowing schools to use these funds to buyout plant-based food and milk options, California is giving districts greater flexibility to serve nutritious meals that reflect the diverse dietary needs and preferences of the students they serve.
We’re grateful to Governor Newsom, Assemblymember Robert Garcia, and legislative leaders for supporting this important funding,” stated Mulhall.
