# Plain Language Summary: Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act of 2021

This bill creates a new grant program that gives money to school districts to expand plant-based meal options in school cafeterias. The federal government would award at least 50 grants of three years each to schools where at least half the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Schools that receive these grants can use the money to train cafeteria workers on how to prepare plant-based meals, teach students about these food options through taste tests and cooking classes, and buy plant-based meat and milk alternatives from local farmers—especially beginning farmers, veteran farmers, and farmers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The grants can cover several practical expenses: paying for professional training so cafeteria staff learn to cook and serve plant-based foods, compensating workers for the extra effort involved in preparing these meals, and helping schools connect with local farmers who grow meat alternatives. Schools would also use grant money to educate students about plant-based options and make these meals appealing through culinary education and recipe development. The bill prioritizes schools serving low-income students and those working with community organizations and local agricultural producers.

Schools that receive grants must track what plant-based meals they serve and report back to the federal government about their progress. The government would then share what works best across all participating schools. The program would run for five years, with $10 million authorized to fund it. After the pilot period ends, Congress would decide whether to continue, expand, or end the program based on how well it worked.

Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act of 2021

Velázquez, Nydia M.

Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act of 2021 This bill establishes a pilot program for providing 100% plant-based food and milk options in school meals. The Department of Agriculture must award up to 50 grants to school food authorities. Recipients may use funds for activities including training food service personnel on serving 100% plant-based options and covering additional costs of buying plant-based foods and milks.