California’s 25 Largest School Districts Are Serving More Vegan Meals Than Ever

A report from Friends of the Earth (FOE) shows that plant-based meal options in California's largest school districts have increased by 54 percent since 2019. Schools are offering higher-quality plant-based entrées such as teriyaki tofu and chana masala, with the goal of providing healthier options that cater to diverse student needs and preferences.

While progress has been made in increasing plant-based meal options, challenges remain, as processed meat and dairy items still dominate school menus. The report found that processed meat entrées have increased by 11 percent and now make up nearly one-fifth of all offerings. FOE is advocating for comprehensive reform of the USDA Foods Program to increase transparency, support plant-based options, and make school meals more climate-friendly and aligned with US Dietary Guidelines.