Governor JB Pritzker has signed into law the “Faith by Plate Act,” making Illinois the first state in the nation to require state-run schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities to offer halal and kosher meal options. The law aims to ensure inclusivity and respect for the dietary needs of Muslim and Jewish individuals within these institutions.
The new law, which amends the School Code and the Kosher Food Act, gives state-operated facilities one year to implement the necessary infrastructure to serve halal and kosher meals upon request. Halal and kosher are Arabic and Hebrew terms, respectively, signifying “lawful” or “permitted” and guiding the everyday life choices of Muslims and observant Jews.
“We continue to see Illinois be a model for other states, a model for inclusivity, equity, and dignity for all Illinoisans and all people,” said Amina Barhumi, the advocacy and policy lead for the Muslim Civic Coalition. Muslim and Jewish faith leaders gathered at West Ridge Elementary School in Chicago, which already provides kosher and halal meals, to celebrate the bill’s signing.
State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), a lead sponsor of the bill, emphasized the importance of the law, stating, “No student should have to watch their classmates eat a school-provided lunch and be left out because there is not an option that meets their needs… This new law ensures everyone has access to food that respects and dignifies their dietary restrictions”.
The legislation also addresses a previous enforcement gap in the Kosher Food Act by providing a legal definition of “kosher,” which will help prevent the sale of mislabeled products.
Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, director of government affairs for Agudath Israel of Illinois, stated, “We are pleased with this outcome, which ensures students have access to meal options that align with their religious dietary requirements… The success of this legislation comes after a gubernatorial veto of a previous version of the bill and extensive collaboration among stakeholders”.
Del. Kevin Olickal added, “The passage of this legislation ensures that students across Illinois have access to religiously accommodated lunches… We are not only respecting their cultural and spiritual needs but also fostering a learning environment where every child feels valued and supported”.
About The Muslim Civic Coalition
The Muslim Civic Coalition’s mission is to protect, promote, and strengthen American pluralism through civic engagement.
About Agudath Israel of Illinois
Agudath Israel of Illinois is a non-profit organization that has been advocating for the needs of the Orthodox Jewish community in Illinois for over 50 years.
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