HR 5867119th CongressIn Committee

Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act

Introduced: Oct 28, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7] (D-New York)

Agriculture & FoodCivil Rights & JusticeEducation

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This legislation amends the National School Lunch Act to establish a pilot grant program funding school food authorities in providing 100 percent plant-based meal options, prioritizing high-poverty districts, while also mandating nondairy milk substitutions for students with medical or special dietary needs through separate reimbursement mechanisms.

Key Points

1Creates a 3-year pilot grant program authorizing $10 million for schools to implement plant-based meal options with priority given to districts serving high proportions of low-income students.
2Requires schools to provide nutritionally equivalent nondairy milk alternatives for students with medical needs or lactose intolerance under ADA and Rehabilitation Act accommodations.
3Mandates technical assistance for food service staff training, culturally appropriate meal planning, and outreach to underserved agricultural producers including organic and veteran farmers.

Impact Areas

School food authorities in high-poverty districts (50%+ free/reduced lunch eligibility)Students with dietary restrictions, disabilities, or lactose intoleranceAgricultural producers including underserved, organic, and local farmers

Generated by legislative-analyst-v1 on Nov 7, 2025