Two days without meat: what children are fed in New York schools

The New York City School System has made changes to its meal plan for all New York City public school students. It's part of Mayor Eric Adams' plan to bring healthier food to schools. Writes about it Silive.

On Mondays and Fridays there will be dishes without meat. While all-vegetarian breakfasts and lunches will be served every Monday, Fridays will be vegan.

"We're offering plant-based meals on Friday," a spokesman for the city's education department said.

Vegan Fridays have been implemented in the spring and will continue into the 2022-2023 school year. Although the focus is on vegan options, vegetarian options will also be served on Friday.

The no-meat and dairy-free diet will replace items like mozzarella sticks and mac and cheese with bananas, rice dishes, Mediterranean chickpeas and other plant-based meals, according to the Department of Energy.

Menu for the upcoming academic year

Students visiting the school in person will be offered free breakfast and lunch daily at the school. Upon request, students will be offered halal and kosher meals.

On the subject: Study and COVID-19: what restrictions will apply in New York schools this year

According to the US Department of Energy website, all menus are pork-free. In addition, no fried foods are served in the school meals, and there are no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners in the meals.

Vegan options available this year include:

• Power Bowl of black beans with rice and pico de gallo;
• salad "Green Garden";
• Italian green beans;
• vegan burger;
• salad of fresh and pickled vegetables;
• waffles with sweet potatoes;
• crispy tortillas with salsa;
• Three Bean Chili served with rice;
• vegan nuggets.

Vegetarian options include:

• pizza on french bread;
• buttermilk cookies;
• garlic buns;
• fried chickpeas with basil pesto;
• mozzarella sticks;
• burrito;
• grilled homemade cheese;
• classic cheese pizza;
• Caesar salad";
• cheese sandwich;
• Grab & Go hummus.