On Monday, March 11, 2019 NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza, and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams announced that Meatless Monday will be expanded to all New York City public schools beginning in the 2019-2020 school year. Meatless Monday is a global movement encouraging everyone to cut out meat one day a week, for personal and environmental health.

In spring 2018, 15 Brooklyn schools piloted Meatless Monday, which expanded to include additional City schools in the fall. As a result of the success of the broader pilot program, Meatless Monday will now cover all NYC schools and will provide 1.1 million students with healthy, all-vegetarian breakfast and lunch menus every Monday.

See the press release here.

“The announcement that Mayor de Blasio has expanded Meatless Monday to all New York City public schools marks a major milestone. Through this united effort, New York City’s schools take a leadership role in getting our children on a healthier track, as well as making a positive impact on our environment.” Sid Lerner, Founder, Meatless Monday Movement

The Meatless Monday pilot expansion evaluated student feedback on a broad scale. Results of the test showed that participation in meals on Mondays remained stable and the DOE decided to officially bring Meatless Mondays citywide for 2019-20. The Meatless Monday program is cost-neutral and the DOE’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services will meet with students to get feedback on the menu before it’s finalized.