NEW Vegan Fridays for the School Lunch Menu!

School Lunch menus have transitioned from Meatless Fridays to Vegan Fridays. 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.

Vegan (VE) Friday’s Info: SEE THE FLYER

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.

Vegan Friday’s, Why?

• Support better long term health outcomes for our students and staff
• Reduce the negative impacts of food production on the environment
• Enhance a sustainable food system
• Protect animal welfare.

What is Vegan?

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.

Other Menu/Diet Definitions

Vegetarian (V): A food item that consist of whole grains, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fruit, eggs and/or dairy; excludes animal products.

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.

V & VE Menu Examples:

Vegan Veggie Tacos (VE)
Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich (VE) Shredded Wheats Cereal (V)
Sweet Potato Oatmeal Muffin (V) Cream Cheese (V)

Black Bean & Plantain Rice Bowl (VE) Mozzarella Sticks (V)
Cheese Sandwich (V)
Toasted Oats (VE)

Bagels (VE)

Exempted Menus & Items for Vegan Friday’s:

• Milk will continue to be offered on Friday’s for Breakfast & Lunch.
• Students with an IEP, 504 or a special medical accommodation do not need to follow the Vegan Friday’s.
• ALL other menus including breakfast, lunch, food court, after-school snack, and supper will follow Vegan Friday.

Menu Changes & Substitutions

On Vegan Friday’s all menu substitutions or changes must be made with a vegan option.
Utilize the menu as a resource to identify items/recipes as Vegan (VE) for menu adjustments impacted by menu changes and substitutions.

Q&A: A few questions about the Vegan menu on Friday’s

Will all cold cereal options be served?
At this time all active cereals except the Shredded Wheat cereal is vegan. It is identified on the menu.

Will Hummus Grab and Go continue to be served?
Hummus with pretzels is vegan, hummus grab and go with whole wheat crackers is not. . It is identified on the menu.

Will Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches or Sun Butter and Jelly Sandwiches be served?
Yes, both are vegan. . It is identified on the menu.

Are cheese sandwiches as an option?
No, not a vegan item.

Are all dressings we serve vegan?
No, active and available dressings will be identified on the menu as either Vegan or Vegetarian.

Will leftovers from Thursday be served on Friday?
Only if it is a vegan item.