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119-s-3669119th CongressWALLET

Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act

Sponsored By: Senator Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]

Introduced

Summary

100 percent plant-based school meals pilot. This bill would create a grant program to expand fully plant-based breakfast and lunch options in eligible schools and support training, sourcing, and evaluation.

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  • Students and families: Would gain access to fully plant-based breakfasts and lunches and to taste tests and classroom nutrition or agricultural education tied to the menu options.
  • Eligible school food authorities: Could receive diverse 3-year grants for staff training, menu development, recipe testing, and compensation for work related to serving plant-based meals. Priority goes to authorities serving 50% or more students eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
  • Local and underserved producers: Would get outreach and procurement support aimed at beginning farmers, veteran farmers, socially disadvantaged producers, and certified organic farms.
  • USDA and school operators: Would coordinate technical assistance, require grantees to keep records and submit annual reports, and compile a yearly summary for Congress.

*Would authorize $10 million for fiscal year 2026 to fund the pilot, increasing federal spending by $10 million available through 2030.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Grants for plant-based school meals

If enacted, the bill would create a pilot to give grants to eligible school food authorities to offer 100 percent plant-based breakfasts and lunches. The Secretary would have 90 days to set up the pilot and grants would run for up to three years. The pilot would be authorized $10 million for fiscal year 2026, with those funds available through fiscal year 2030. Only school food authorities that serve 50% or more students eligible for free or reduced-price meals would qualify. Grants could pay for staff training and pay, recipe and menu work, student taste tests and education, procurement from local and underserved producers, and related outreach.

More meal accommodations for students

If enacted, the bill would let students as well as parents or guardians request school meal accommodations for disability, other medical needs, or special dietary needs. It would define "special dietary need" to include dietary needs that are not disabilities, including religious or moral beliefs. This change would take effect on enactment.

Nondairy milk reimbursement pilot

If enacted, the bill would create a pilot to reimburse eligible school food authorities for the full cost of nondairy milk served instead of fluid milk. The Secretary would have 90 days to set up the pilot and could prioritize schools that serve many students with lactose intolerance or dietary need. The pilot would be authorized $2 million for fiscal year 2026, with funds available until three years after enactment; authority to run the pilot would end three years after enactment. Grantees would report annually and the Secretary would report to Congress within 180 days after the program ends.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD]

    MD • D

    Sponsored 1/15/2026

  • Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 1/15/2026

  • Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 1/15/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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