California Just Made It Easier for Schools to Serve Vegan Meals

Game-changing news for animals, students, and the planet: With $500 million put into the Kitchen Infrastructure and Training (KIT) Program, California is making it easier than ever for schools to put vegan options on the menu! The funding can be used to purchase healthy animal-free foods and non-dairy milks while helping schools modernize kitchens and expand meal programs. This exciting initiative has the potential to transform school lunches across California, making nutritious, compassionate meals more accessible.

Why the KIT Program Matters

This funding is a chance for schools to better meet students’ needs with more inclusive meals. More vegan food means more options at lunchtime for students with lactose intolerance, students who keep kosher, and students who don’t eat meat, eggs, or dairy because they care about animals and the planet.

Increasing access to vegan foods may benefit students’ health, too. Studies have linked vegan eating centered around fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

Plus, vegan meals can help schools meet sustainability goals. The meat, egg, and dairy industries consume enormous amounts of water, require extensive land use, and generate greenhouse gas emissions that fuel the climate catastrophe. Research has shown that vegan living is one of the best ways to reduce one’s environmental impact.

Just as importantly, offering more vegan meals teaches compassion. Cows form close friendships, chickens care for their families, and fish can feel pain. Every animal-free lunch helps spare these sensitive, feeling individuals from suffering in the food system while showing students that everyday choices can make a difference for others. With more animal-free options on the menu, schools can help nurture a generation that values kindness, inclusion, and respect for all individuals.

What You Can Do to Get Vegan Meals at Schools

Want to see more vegan options in your local school cafeteria? Speak up. School districts are more likely to add vegan meals when students, parents, and community members ask for them. Check out PETA’s guide for getting vegan options at your child’s school, including non-dairy milk, vegan chicken from JUST Meat, and other animal-friendly choices.