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() Illinois has become the first state in the nation to mandate the availability of halal and kosher meal options in schools, an attempt at “providing all students with equal access to meals.”
Gov. JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 457, also known as the Faith by Plate Act, into law Friday. The law also mandates the availability of halal and kosher meal options in state-run hospitals and correctional facilities upon request.
“No student should have to watch their classmates eat a school-provided lunch and be left out because there is not an option that meets their needs,” said Illinois Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, a co-sponsor of the bill. “This new law ensures everyone has access to food that respects and dignifies their dietary restrictions.”
“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,” said Illinois Rep. Kevin Olickal, D-Chicago, a co-sponsor of the bill.
Under the law, state-operated facilities have one year to implement the necessary infrastructure to serve halal and kosher meals, according to WFLD-TV.
“Halal” is an Arabic word meaning “lawful” or “permissible,” which is often used by Muslims. “Kosher” is a Hebrew word that means “fit” or “proper” and is commonly used by Jews, according to the Halal Food Council.