Are schools required to serve a vegetarian alternative meal?

I am thinking seriously about becoming a vegetarian after what animals go through to become our meal. I was wondering though. Do schools have to comply with some type of regulation such as, to serve an alternative vegetarian meal? I eat in the cafeteria at my school. I live in Arkansas, if that is any help in knowing the regulations for that state.

I went to two schools in high school.
One catholic school, for 3 years
And a public school in a different state... for most of 12th grade(like 9 months of 12th grade..in a different state)

The catholic school had NO vegan options... unless you consider a tiny little 3 dollar salad or greasy fries a meal option... Some "vegetarian" options... but I'm not so sure exactly how vegetarian they actually were... Now I was an ovo-lacto vegetarian the whole time I was there... But I didn't wanna eat junk like pizza everyday for lunch and was too lazy to pack my own lunch... so basically I ate nothing everyday...really healthy right?..lol

The public school did have more vegan/vegetarian options... like fruit and stuff... but really no meals... It isn't all that fair... I mean is it that hard to offer a veggie burger... or pasta that is not made with meat sauce?... It's not that much to ask...

I would suggest that you pack your own lunch, It is probably a better idea anyway because most things that schools serve for lunch is really unhealthy... they should really work on providing healthier lunches in schools(both high school and grade school)... they are just making it easier for kids to become obese... I mean that's where they eat everyday for lunch and sometimes breakfast...

Good luck though... I hope you decide to become a vegetarian :)

Fortunately, alot of schools are starting to dish out more vegetarian friendly foods as a healthier alternative. The high school I went to had salads, wraps, and plenty of fruits available throughout the lunch line.
If the cafeteria at your current school doesn't offer any (or many) vegetarian foods, you could take it up with someone like the principal, or the cafeteria staff, you can do alot.
Good Luck!

don't think there's a law. It's probably voluntary.

In my state I think there is, but the schools ive been to break that rule, unless you count pbj sanwiches. I would pack food. Maybe a sandwich of hummus, roasted veggies, or a combo of anything. Or pack a bean burrito, or soup or rly anything.

No there is no rule that says "serve vegetarian food" but it would be wise if there was

I don't think so. They should. Animals are our friends not food. Would you eat you bff?

na, i heard that schools serves the cheapest food avaliable by the lowest bidder or something

Most schools will comply with your diet. You just need to ask. Some school only make the alternative if requested by the student.

I am pretty sure I remember hearing once that it is required to have an alternative if requested. Some students cannot eat meat because of religion, therefore they would be required to supply the alernatives.

I don't think there's any federal regulation like that in the States, although perhaps on the State level. I know in the UK, schools do, but I'm not sure if it's actually required. I went to a public high school in Alabama. They offered plenty of vegetarian options (not for the main lunch though), such as cheese pizza, a salad bar, grilled cheese sandwiches, pasta with tomato or cheese sauce, a baked potato bar, nachos. Anyway, you shouldn't base your decision on what the school's policy is. You can always bring your own lunch. Much tastier and healthier for you.

Most schools try to include vegetarian meals. When I first went to college the only thing to eat for vegetarians was either a gardenburger and fries or a veggie sub from Hogi Yogi. Now recently the school cafe. is starting to try and serve vegetarian meals. Although most are not good, not having flavor and eventually hurting my stomach, the school still has an awesome salad bar! I am not certain where I read this, but you can actually petition to have the school you are attending, to have them include more vegetarian meals. I think it was on PETA.com...Not sure though i will have to get back to you on that...I dont think there are state regualtions...

I don't know but I wish they had a vegetarian menu

FIRST you can call the following for help : The Child Nutrition Unit of ADE will continue to assist school districts in networking with the Arkansas Department of Health and Nutrition Services Unit and the Arkansas Children鈥檚 Hospital registered dietitians to provide services and assistance to students and their families. Please call Schaun Brown, MS, RD, LD, Area Specialist at (870) 534-6129, or Betsy Gore, RD, LD, Area Specialist, at (501) 324-9502, should you have questions regarding special dietary needs of students or the training of personnel. ........SECOND : Policies and Procedures For Accommodating Dietary Requests for Students Without A Disability ...

Each district child nutrition program is advised to have a written policy and provide consistent application of the policies and procedures in the provision of special dietary services to students without a disability.

Although the provision of such services is at the discretion of the school district, all students must be treated the same in all schools within a district to prevent unintentional discrimination of students requesting any special dietary service. For example: If the district policy is to recognize all physician ordered dietary changes even though student鈥檚 health condition is not certified as disabling, (i.e. milk allergies,) the policy and procedures established by the district for milk substitution must be followed by all district schools.
So basically if your school makes provisions for any child with a special requirement, then they must make it for all ..but I would call the phone number to discuss it..good luck

Schools are regulated by the state they are in. I seriously doubt few, if any, mandate that a veggie alt. meal must be offered. Schools have enough issues to deal with. Brown bag it