IL SR0625

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) adopted a district-wide prohibition on pork products in all breakfast and lunch offerings in December 2020 as part of its Local School Wellness Policy.

Public records requests have not identified documentation explaining the rationale, nutrition analysis, cost analysis, or board deliberation supporting the pork ban.

The resolution urges the CPS Board of Education to conduct a formal review of the pork prohibition, including disclosure of the original rationale and consultation with nutrition experts and stakeholders.

Illinois ranks fourth nationally in pork production, contributing over $11.9 billion annually to the state economy and approximately 32,690 jobs.

The ban prevents CPS from utilizing USDA-provided pork products available at reduced or no cost through federal nutrition programs, limiting menu flexibility for the 350,000 daily meals served to 325,000+ students.