California Allocates Funds for Plant-Based School Meals
California's newly approved state budget for 2026-2027 includes a significant allocation of $500 million in one-time funding dedicated to the Kitchen Infrastructure and Training (KIT) Program. This funding aims to support school kitchens in purchasing plant-based foods and dairy-free milk, expanding dietary options for students across the state.
The updated budget language, championed by California Assemblymember Robert Garcia, allows schools to procure plant-based options. Garcia expressed gratitude towards the Governor and fellow legislators for ensuring that California students have access to diverse school food options. He emphasized that providing dietary flexibility can help reduce hunger among students, thereby enhancing their ability to learn.
The initiative has been praised by several organizations, including Friends of the Earth (FoEI), which highlighted the ongoing funding for California’s School Meals for All Program. This program receives $25 million, while the Farm to School Incubator Grant Program and the Healthy School Food Pathway Program receive $25 million and $14 million, respectively.
Chloë Waterman, a senior program manager at Friends of the Earth, noted that California is leading the nation by investing in healthier and more inclusive school meals, which also have a reduced climate impact. The budget ensures that schools can utilize the KIT funding to obtain plant-based foods and nondairy beverages, thus equipping districts with resources to expand student meal choices.
Organizations such as ProVeg International and The Plant Based Foods Association have also welcomed the budget. The Plant Based Foods Association pointed out that the updated language would assist school districts in expanding access to nutritious and inclusive meal options, in line with recent federal changes that allow schools to offer nutritionally equivalent plant-based milk alternatives.
ProVeg International highlighted the progress achieved under California’s previous school food program, where 158 school districts expanded their plant-based options, nearly doubling the availability of plant-based entrées.
In a related development, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 was amended in January to allow schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer nutritionally equivalent plant-based foods and beverages. This change followed a Senate vote and a public opinion poll showing 67 percent of Americans support making plant-based options more accessible in schools.
