SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new state law will require faith-based food options in schools and state-run facilities.
Illinois public schools, state correctional facilities, and the University of Illinois hospital in Chicago will now be required to offer halal and kosher food options if requested.
The Illinois State Board of Education will enter into master contracts with faith-based food vendors and give school districts access to the contracts so they can efficiently provide the meal options to students.
"It must meet the federal standards set under the federal Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act," said Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). "We also provided flexibility for the State Board of Education, allowing them to enter into as many contracts as needed in order to provide excess for school districts statewide."
The law also requires school districts to adopt procedures for ordering, preparing, and serving prepackaged meal options offered through the statewide food contracts.
Illinois is the first state in country to require halal and kosher meal options in schools.
"I'm incredibly proud that we honoring students' diverse dietary requirements with this piece of legislation, which holds the power to create a more inclusive and safe learning environment for students statewide," said Rep. Kevin Olickal (D-Skokie). "Ensuring that the state includes religious dietary food options in our school lunch rooms guarantees that all students can enjoy nutritious meals, and no one goes to class hungry."
Senate Bill 457 was signed into law Friday and took effect immediately.
Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
