NJ S1676

Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program must offer at least one plant-based meal daily during regular lunch service to students who elect this option

Students or their parents/guardians must submit written notice to the school food authority to enroll in the plant-based meal program, and schools have 30 days after receiving the notice to begin providing the meals

Plant-based meals must contain no animal products (including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, or eggs) and must meet USDA nutritional standards for school lunches while being similar in quality and quantity to other school meals

Schools must submit annual reports to the Departments of Agriculture and Education detailing the types of plant-based meals offered, the number of students enrolled, and any implementation challenges

The bill takes effect at the start of the first full school year following enactment, with the Departments of Agriculture and Education authorized to adopt implementing rules and establish standards for efficient meal provision