Plain Language Summary
# FISCAL Act Summary **What It Would Do** The Freedom in School Cafeterias and Lunches (FISCAL) Act would require all schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer plant-based milk options to students. Currently, schools only must provide non-dairy milk alternatives for students with documented medical needs or disabilities that restrict their diet. This bill would make plant-based milk available to all students regardless of dietary restrictions, and would eliminate the requirement for written documentation from doctors or parents to access these alternatives. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill directly affects school cafeterias across the country and the students they serve.
Schools would need to ensure plant-based milk options meet either the most recent U.S. Dietary Guidelines or USDA nutritional standards. The change would expand access to alternatives like soy, almond, or oat milk beyond students with medical or disability-related needs, making these options universally available in school lunch programs. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet advanced to a full Senate vote.
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
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.