ALBANY, NEW YORK – Assemblyman David I. Weprin has introduced legislation (A7231) to require New York City public schools to provide students who have religious dietary restrictions, with appropriate meal options. A7231 adds language to the New York State Education Law that requires New York City public schools to, upon request, provide meals to students that comply with their religious dietary restrictions, such as halal, kosher, and vegetarian options. In a city as ethnically and religiously diverse as New York is, there is an ever-increasing population of children who are not able to have a nutritious meal during school due to religious dietary restrictions. Providing food options for students of faith would allow these students the ability to freely exercise their religion while also increasing cultural exposure and understanding for all students.

"If kosher and halal meals are already provided in prisons, they absolutely should be provided in our schools" said Assemblyman David Weprin. "Our state is one of incredible religious and ethnic diversity, and it is our duty to provide for all of those living in New York. The students of our state should not have to choose between a nutritious meal and their religion.”