S 9645 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to requiring public schools to offer plant-based food options in food service

This bill requires public schools to provide plant-based food options as an alternative to every meal or snack upon request by a student or their parent. The plant-based option must be offered at no additional cost and must meet USDA standards for meat alternatives, while the school must also include this availability in all food-related written materials. Schools must respond to requests in a reasonable manner, and the requirement applies to all students regardless of whether they have requested the option, though requesting students may still choose non-plant-based meals. The law takes effect immediately but applies to school food service starting one year after enactment.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 31, 2026 Last action Mar 31, 2026