This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new article that establishes vegetarian meal options in public school nutrition programs. It includes legislative findings that emphasize the importance of school nutrition programs for student health and academic success, and recognizes that vegetarian meals can qualify as reimbursable under federal law. The bill mandates that each county board of education must provide a vegetarian meal option that complies with federal nutritional guidelines and reimbursement requirements. Additionally, it allows county boards to require advance requests for vegetarian meals, ensuring proper planning and preparation.

The bill also grants county boards of education the authority to determine the implementation methods for vegetarian meal options, including the procedures for advance requests and menu planning. Importantly, it clarifies that the new provisions do not expand existing requirements for medical or religious dietary accommodations, which will continue to be governed by current laws. Furthermore, the State Board of Education is given the rulemaking authority to provide guidance to county boards and ensure compliance with federal nutrition standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5H-1, 18-5H-2, 18-5H-3, 18-5H-4, 18-5H-5, 18-5H-6