Impossible Foods Strikes Deal With Florida School District, Gets Added To School Menus

It’s safe to say that the food options offered at American schools leave much to be desired. The Obamas are perhaps the last public figures known to push for an overhaul in funding, nutrition standards, and the free lunch program — with Michelle Obama spearheading the “Let’s Move!” Initiative to reduce childhood obesity. According to the CDC, obesity affects around 14.7 million children and adolescents and is considered a serious problem in America. 

News of Manatee County School District adding Impossible Foods to menus is an awesome and important step towards improving what kids eat for lunch. As the Vegconomist reports, Manatee County School district has begun introducing plant-based options in several schools; two high schools and three middle schools thus far. Students can now order Impossible burgers, bean and chili burritos, and plant-based chicken nuggets. 

The schools currently involved in the rollout are Mona Jain Middle, R. Dan Nolan, Buffalo Creek middle schools, Braden River, Lakewood Ranch, and Parrish Community High Schools. There is a growing interest in plant-based diets amongst students, and the Manatee County School District aims to keep up with current food trends. It’s also an opportunity to inspire schools to further innovate menu offerings. 

The initial rollout will be a trial run in select schools that were chosen based on a pre-existing demand for plant-based options. So far, plant-based nuggets have had the most positive response. Overall, the goal is to promote plant-based options as suitable for all dietary preferences.