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Legislators have introduced a bill that would create a voluntary grant program to help schools expand their plant-based offerings.
Introduced by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez and Rep. Jamaal Bowman, the Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act would provide funding for plant-based culinary training, student taste tests, and additional costs associated with preparing and serving plant-based dishes as well as sourcing from socially disadvantaged producers, local producers, and women, veteran and beginning farmers.
School districts that serve a high population of students with food insecurity would be prioritized for the grants.
Supporters of the bill say that it will help improve child nutrition and combat climate change.