Sponsors (4)
The bill funds time-limited pilots to expand plant-based meals and fully reimburse nondairy beverages—targeting high-need schools and increasing access for some students—while imposing modest federal costs and added administrative burdens, with potential choice and accommodation trade-offs unless definitions and long-term funding are clarified.
Low-income and high-need schools (those with ≥50% FRPL) are prioritized, directing pilot resources to students in underserved communities.
Students with lactose intolerance or other non-dairy needs can receive nondairy beverages at school with full cost reimbursed, improving access to appropriate milk substitutes.
School food authorities serving high-need populations can receive grant funding (up to $2 million in FY2026) to cover nondairy beverage costs, reducing district meal-program expenses.
Schools may face added operational and administrative burdens (reporting, evaluation, and more complex procurement), which can strain staff time and local food-service budgets.
The bill’s definition of 'special dietary need' that excludes disabilities could limit accommodations for some students and create conflicts with disability-protection obligations.
The pilots are time-limited (three years), so benefits and supports could end unless Congress acts to extend or make them permanent.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Creates 3-year pilots: grants for 100% plant-based school meals ($10M authorized) and reimbursement for nondairy milk substitutes ($2M authorized).
Introduced January 15, 2026 by Adam Schiff · Last progress January 15, 2026
Creates two short-term USDA pilot programs for school meal nutrition: a three-year competitive grant program to help school food authorities offer and evaluate 100% plant-based breakfasts or lunches, and a separate three-year pilot to reimburse the full cost of nondairy beverages used as milk substitutes. The bill sets priority criteria (including schools serving high shares of low-income students), allows grant funds to pay for staff training, procurement, outreach, and recordkeeping, requires annual grantee reports and USDA reports to Congress, and authorizes $10 million for the plant-based pilot and $2 million for the nondairy beverage pilot for FY2026 with limited availability periods and sunset dates.