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Beyond the Nugget

Read the executive summary: The key findings and recommendations at a glance. Read the full report: Our analysis of school lunch menus, health risks, and the policies shaping what schools serve. Explo…
Building a Better Tray

These school nutrition teams are changing what they purchase, how they cook, and what they serve to students, proving that healthier, higher-quality proteins can work in school cafeterias.
From Zero to $5.5 Million

In just five years, California schools have gone from having no access to organic produce through the Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (DoD Fresh) to purchasing over $5.5 millio…
The Pulse Playbook: Best Practices for Utilizing Beans, Peas & Lentils in School Meals

This toolkit aims to help K-12 school nutrition directors serve nutritious, affordable, and climate-friendly beans, peas, and lentils in school meals.
Climate-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes for Schools

Our Climate-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes for Schools resource is a vibrant collection of student-approved recipes from over 25 California K–12 school districts, designed to help school nutrition tea…
A Guide for Food and Nutrition Services to Navigate Requests for Cow’s Milk Substitutes

School food operators may receive two types of requests for a cow’s milk substitute: Disability based requests must be accommodated by operators.
For Parents/Guardians and Students: Your Right to Request a Substitute for Cow’s Milk at School

Parents and guardians have a right to request a substitute for cow’s milk for their child as part of school meals.
Plant-Based & Plant-Forward Menus in K-12 Schools

Students and their families are increasingly asking for plant-based food at school for a wide variety of reasons, including cultural, religious, health, and philosophical reasons.
Six Changes USDA Made to Help Schools Serve More Plant-Based Foods

This fact sheet summarizes these changes and serves as a tool to support schools in implementing the new opportunities.
Plant-Based Trends in California’s School Lunches (2024)

Friends of the Earth’s new report provides a 5-year snapshot comparing 2019 and 2023 school menu entrées served at the 25 largest school districts across the state.