Please sign this petition to the USDA Secretary of Agriculture, Cindy Long, so that more plant-based options can be offered as a protein (Meat Alternate) in school meals. Currently beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and soy products cannot count as protein if they are not recognizable in a dish, such as tofu ricotta in vegetable lasagna, peanut butter in a smoothie, or beans in a breakfast muffin. Plant based proteins are economical, environmentally friendly, and offer many varied nutrients. We are not attempting to get rid of animal protein, only to allow more choices and variety for students. This change in the regulations will bring school meal programs into alignment with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and allow more culturally diversified food options.

Sign the petition to remove the "recognizable" vegetable and bean requirement to allow school nutrition professionals an opportunity to offer more fiber-rich, plant-forward protein choices to children. In doing so, we will be updating the current, complicated and limiting regulations.

Thank you.

Melissa Manning, RD, Owner, and Founder of My School RD

Anna Apoian, RD, MPA, School Nutrition Director