S. 3669: Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act

The Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act aims to introduce a pilot program that would provide funding to certain school food authorities to offer 100% plant-based food and milk options in schools. This initiative is part of an effort to amend existing laws related to school lunch programs under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.

Program Overview

The bill defines a "100 percent plant-based food option" as meals that include substitutes for meat and dairy but do not contain any animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, or honey. The program is designed to assist eligible school food authorities that serve a significant number of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Funding and Grant Details

• The Secretary of Agriculture is required to establish the pilot program within 90 days of the bill's enactment.
• This program would award grants with a term of 3 years to school food authorities, allowing for diverse grant amounts based on each authority's needs.
• To receive funding, school food authorities must apply and provide detailed plans, including plans to evaluate their programs and ensure cultural appropriateness in meal offerings.

Eligible Uses of Grant Funds

Grant funds can be utilized for several purposes, including:

• Hiring third-party trainers for food service employees to help them prepare and serve 100% plant-based meals.
• Compensating employees for participating in this training.
• Developing educational programs for students about plant-based food options and nutrition.
• Collaborating with local farmers and producers, especially underserved and organic producers, to procure plant-based food items.

Monitoring and Reporting

Schools benefiting from the grants are required to keep detailed records of the plant-based options served and must report annually on their activities, including the comparison of meal offerings from the previous year. The Secretary of Agriculture is mandated to review these reports and provide a summary to Congress annually.

Support for Nondairy Alternatives

Additionally, the bill introduces a provision to reimburse school food authorities for the costs of providing nondairy milk alternatives. This program prioritizes authorities that serve high numbers of students with lactose intolerance or other specific dietary needs.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes appropriations of $10 million for the initial pilot program for the fiscal year 2026, which would be available until 2030, and an additional $2 million specifically for the nondairy beverage program.

Educational and Technical Assistance

The Secretary of Agriculture would provide guidance and share best practices with the school food authorities regarding the successful implementation of the program.

Relevant Companies

• TSN - Tyson Foods, Inc.: As a major producer of meat and alternative protein products, Tyson might need to adapt its offerings in response to increasing plant-based meal options in schools.
• MDLZ - Mondelez International, Inc.: This company could see changes in the demand for its dairy products, influenced by schools transitioning to plant-based milk alternatives.
• BG - Bunge Limited: Bunge, being a key player in agricultural commodities and plant-based ingredients, may be involved in supplying schools with necessary ingredients for plant-based meals.