New York Coalition Pushes for Inclusive School Meals Funding
Advocates are calling for state investment to broaden access to plant-based, kosher and halal meals in schools.
A coalition in New York is seeking $10 million in state funding to expand access to inclusive school meals, including plant-based, kosher and halal options.
The New York Inclusive School Meals Coalition's call aims to ensure more students can access meals that suit their dietary needs and preferences.
Mercy For Animals, an Ecoflix partner, welcomed the push. A statement on the proposal was attributed to Alex Cerussi, the organization's Senior Manager of Government Affairs and Public Policy.
Expanding plant-based choices in schools offers a practical way to give families greater flexibility while supporting more sustainable food systems.
Inclusive meal programmes also help students from a range of cultural and religious backgrounds feel welcome at the lunch table, ensuring no child is left without a suitable option.
The proposed funding would help schools across the state meet this growing demand and make inclusive meals a lasting part of the school day.
You can watch the story of the organizations working to make food systems kinder and more inclusive on Ecoflix.