Plain Language Summary
# FISCAL Act Summary **What the bill would do:** The FISCAL Act (Freedom in School Cafeterias and Lunches Act) would require all schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer plant-based milk as an option to every student. Currently, schools only have to provide non-dairy milk alternatives to students with documented medical needs or disabilities that restrict their diet. This bill would remove those restrictions and make plant-based options available to all students, as long as the alternatives meet U.S.
Dietary Guidelines or USDA nutritional standards. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects school cafeterias across the country and the students they serve. It also impacts the USDA, which oversees the National School Lunch Program, and potentially dairy producers and food suppliers who would need to adjust their offerings. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (HR 2539, introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Troy Carter, D-LA). It has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Freedom in School Cafeterias and Lunches Act or the FISCAL ActThis bill revises requirements for milk provided by the National School Lunch Program of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to require that schools offer plant-based milk.Under current law, schools must provide a substitute for fluid milk for students whose disability restricts their diet (on receipt of a written statement from a licensed physician). Schools may also substitute a nondairy beverage for fluid milk for students who have an identified medical or other special dietary need (on receipt of a written statement from a medical authority or a student's parent or legal guardian).The bill eliminates the exceptions and documentation requirements. Instead, schools participating in the school lunch program must offer all students a plant-based milk option that is consistent with (1) the most recent U.S. Dietary Guidelines, or (2) USDA-established nutritional standards if the milk is not included under those guidelines.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.