Meng Hails Pilot Program To Provide Halal And Kosher Lunches In New York City Schools

Congresswoman long called for halal and kosher meals to be made available to NYC students

QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) today hailed a $1 million pilot program included in New York City’s new budget that will provide halal and kosher lunches in New York City schools.

“I have long called for halal and kosher meals to be made available in New York City schools and I’ve made similar calls on the federal level as well," said Meng. "This pilot program is great news and I’m pleased that Jewish and Muslim students will finally have lunch options that adhere to their dietary restrictions. Earlier this month, I sent a letter to City Council Speaker Corey Johnson asking him to provide halal and kosher meals to students as part of the city's school lunch program, and I thank him for agreeing to do so. Thanks to his efforts, students will finally have access to these meals. I also thank all the advocates in the South Asian American community who worked for years to help make this happen. This pilot program is the right step forward in creating a more inclusive approach to school lunches in our city. Students should feel welcomed at their schools, and including different dietary options is a critical element to ensuring that no one goes hungry. I’m proud to applaud this new program, and look forward to this initiative benefiting students throughout our city.”