California’s $500M School Kitchen Budget Now Backs Plant-Based Food and Milk Purchases

California has approved a 2026-27 state budget that allocates $500 million to the Kitchen Infrastructure and Training (KIT) Program, allowing school districts to use the funds for kitchen upgrades, staff training, and the purchase of plant-based foods and non-dairy milks. Governor Gavin Newsom signed off on the package, providing districts with greater flexibility to serve nutritious meals aligning with diverse dietary needs. Assemblymember Robert Garcia championed the plant-based procurement provision, aiming to give students more meal options and ensure they have access to meals that meet their needs, ultimately promoting a conducive learning environment.

The state's budget aligns with federal school meal reforms, specifically the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which allows schools to offer non-dairy beverages to students participating in the National School Lunch Program. The budget provides a funded procurement route for districts to implement this federal flexibility, eliminating budget constraints that hindered the addition of plant-based items to school menus. Marjorie Mulhall, the executive director of the Plant Based Foods Association, views this outcome as a significant win for California students, families, and school nutrition programs, emphasizing the importance of serving nutritious meals that cater to the diverse dietary needs and preferences of students across the state.