US House of Representatives Passes Bill Empowering Public Schools to Offer Plant-Based Milks in the Lunch Line
The US House of Representatives has passed the amended Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (S.222), which will allow public schools to offer a variety of plant-based milk options to students in the lunch line.
“All students should be able to access the nutrition they need to thrive and receive beverages they can actually drink,”
Currently, students are only guaranteed an alternative to cow’s milk if a parent submits a physician’s note documenting a disability, and schools are prohibited from proactively offering soy milk. The FISCAL Act was introduced into the House by Rep. Carter, with 11 cosponsors and the support of more than 200 racial and dietary justice advocates and groups.
The bill was eventually merged with the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. The recent progress follows years of advocacy from the Plant Powered School Meals Coalition and leadership from members of Congress on related bills.
These include the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act, which would provide financing to schools to grow their plant-based food and beverage options. The act is currently awaiting further Congressional consideration. “This is a watershed moment and a tremendous win for our kids, our planet, and the future of school nutrition,” said Bausch. “By supporting the inclusion of plant-based milk in the school lunch line, the House has shown that progress, compassion, and science can triumph together. As an Olympic athlete, I’ve spent my life fighting for what fuels health and human potential, and giving children access to healthier options is a victory that will ripple for generations.
This is more than policy; this is a powerful step toward a healthier world.”
