<p>School Lunch menus have transitioned from Meatless Fridays to <b>Vegan Fridays.</b> This new Vegan menu is part of the mayor’s initiative to expand the student’s pallets to include plant-based foods and stay on trend with the city’s goals to provide healthier menu options.</p><p>Vegan (VE) Friday’s Info: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T76LftnCJT0MZv0d_W-C8q4HbyLnPWHT/view?usp=sharing"><b>SEE THE FLYER</b></a></p><p>The Office of Food & Nutrition Services (OFNS) is dedicated to a plant forward menu offering vegetarian and vegan items daily, serving local seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, reducing processed meats and promoting complete plant based menu days.</p><p><b>Vegan Friday’s, Why?</b></p><ul><li>Support better long term health outcomes for our students and staff</li><li>Reduce the negative impacts of food production on the environment</li><li>Enhance a sustainable food system</li><li>Protect animal welfare.</li></ul><p><b>What is Vegan?</b></p><p>Vegan (VE): A plant-based food item that consist of whole grains, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and/or fruit; and excludes any eggs, dairy and animal products. Vegan also excludes honey.</p><p><b>Other Menu/Diet Definitions</b></p><p>Vegetarian (V): A food item that consist of whole grains, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fruit, eggs and/or dairy; excludes animal products.</p><p>Plant forward: Plant-forward is a style of cooking and eating that emphasizes plant-based foods but is not strictly limited to them. Meat may be included but it’s usually not the main feature of the meal.</p><p>V & VE Menu Examples:</p><p>Vegan Veggie Tacos (VE)<br/>Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich (VE) Shredded Wheats Cereal (V)<br/>Sweet Potato Oatmeal Muffin (V) Cream Cheese (V)</p><p>Black Bean & Plantain Rice Bowl (VE) Mozzarella Sticks (V)<br/>Cheese Sandwich (V)<br/>Toasted Oats (VE)</p><p>Bagels (VE)</p><p></p><p><b>Exempted Menus & Items for Vegan Friday’s:</b></p><ul><li>Milk will continue to be offered on Friday’s for Breakfast & Lunch.</li><li>Students with an IEP, 504 or a special medical accommodation do not need to follow the Vegan Friday’s.</li><li>ALL other menus including breakfast, lunch, food court, after-school snack, and supper will follow Vegan Friday.</li></ul><p><b>Menu Changes & Substitutions</b></p><p>On Vegan Friday’s all menu substitutions or changes must be made with a vegan option.<br/>Utilize the menu as a resource to identify items/recipes as Vegan (VE) for menu adjustments impacted by menu changes and substitutions.</p><h4><b>Q&A: A few questions about the Vegan menu on Friday’s</b></h4><p><b>Will all cold cereal options be served?</b><br/>At this time all active cereals except the Shredded Wheat cereal is vegan. It is identified on the menu.</p><p><b>Will Hummus Grab and Go continue to be served?</b><br/>Hummus with pretzels is vegan, hummus grab and go with whole wheat crackers is not. . It is identified on the menu.</p><p><b>Will Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches or Sun Butter and Jelly Sandwiches be served?</b><br/>Yes, both are vegan. . It is identified on the menu.</p><p><b>Are cheese sandwiches as an option?</b><br/>No, not a vegan item.</p><p><b>Are all dressings we serve vegan?</b><br/>No, active and available dressings will be identified on the menu as either Vegan or Vegetarian.</p><p><b>Will leftovers from Thursday be served on Friday?</b><br/>Only if it is a vegan item.</p><p></p><p></p>
