Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to introduce plant-based meal options in Minnesota public schools to accommodate dietary preferences and promote a balanced and nutritionally adequate diet.

Main Provisions

• Plant-Based Meal Definition: A plant-based meal excludes all animal products such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs. Accepted components include fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and other approved plant-based products.
• Implementation Requirement: Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, all Minnesota public schools, including charter schools participating in the National School Lunch Program, must offer at least one plant-based meal option daily upon written request by or for a student.
• Information Dissemination: Schools must provide accessible information to students, parents, and guardians about the availability of plant-based options and the request process.
• Compliance to Nutrition Standards: All plant-based meal options must adhere to federal nutrition guidelines for school meals.

Significant Changes

• Formal obligation for schools to include plant-based meals in their menu offerings starting in 2026.
• Establishment of a system for requesting plant-based meals in writing.

Implementation and Monitoring

• The Department of Education will create guidelines to help schools implement these requirements, including resources for developing meal options and training for nutrition team members.
• The department will ensure schools comply with the new regulations and may take action against schools that do not comply.
• Schools are required to report annually on the number of plant-based options offered, requests made, and any challenges faced.

Relevant Terms

• Plant-based meal
• National School Lunch Program
• School nutrition
• Federal nutrition guidelines
• Department of Education compliance and reporting