BILL NUMBER: S7620

SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the education law, in relation to
requiring public schools in any city with a population over one million
to offer food options during lunch

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This legislation will require a public school, in any city that has over
one million inhabitants, to offer food options, upon request, to any
students practicing a religious faith with specific dietary restriction.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 of the bill amends the education law by adding a new section
915-a which requires a public school, in any city that has over one
million inhabitants, to offer food options, upon request, to any
students practicing a religious faith with specific dietary restriction.

Section 2 of the bill sets forth an effective date of one hundred and
              

twenty days after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the
addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rules or regulations necessary
for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized
to be made one or before such date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

In city with ethnic diversity like New York City, the population of
residents and children who practice a religious faith with specific
dietary restrictions is rising. Because of their religious dietary
requirements, these students, who are attending public schools in New
York City, are restricted in what they can eat during lunch at school.
In certain cases, even though public schools already provide healthy and
nutritious food options, students have to go without out eating and
throw away lunches that do not meet their religious food restrictions.
Offering students these types of food options, including halal, kosher,
and vegetarian food options, during lunch not only accommodates their
dietary restriction but also enhances students' awareness and respect
for diversity in cultures, religions, and ethnicities.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

None.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
One hundred and twenty days after it shall have become a law.  Effective
immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rules or regu-
lations necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective
date is authorized to be made one or before such date.