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Burbank students urge board to add plant-based entrees; board members voice support
Summary
Students asked the Burbank Unified School District Board of Education to adopt a resolution requiring 1–2 plant-based entrées and plant-based milk, citing health, inclusivity and climate concerns; board members and a city commissioner expressed support and asked staff to follow up.
Students from John Burroughs High School urged the Burbank Unified School District Board of Education on Feb. 26 to expand plant-based options in school cafeterias, and several board members said they would follow up with staff.
Chloe Wingfield, a ninth grader, asked the board to "pass a policy that adds more inclusive options to the cafeteria," saying students with religious restrictions, allergies or other dietary needs sometimes lack accessible choices and “may go hungry.”
Tenth grader Chinmai Nayak presented the student-led "BUSD Food for the Future" campaign, which she said has gathered more than 800 signatures. Nayak said the campaign seeks "1 to 2 fully plant-based options with no animal products and 1 fully plant-based milk option" each time food is served, arguing the change would be more inclusive and reduce the district’s climate footprint. She also told the board the district food services director (named in the transcript as Rachel Pagahus Hunasen) has indicated support and that plant-based items have been piloted at Burroughs High School.
Kevin Morris, a Burbank resident and a commissioner on the Sustainable Burbank Commission, told the board the city is a partner on similar initiatives and said a district resolution mandating at least one plant-based entrée at school events would be "an incredible first step." He emphasized the difference between vegan snacks and a nutritious entree, saying a vegan cookie would not substitute for a meal.
Board President Ponser Kamkar thanked the students, urged them to send the board an email updating the campaign, and said she would work with staff to explore a resolution so student voice could be included. Vice President Dr. Weisberg, speaking as a vegetarian, said she would follow up with the food services director about costs and availability and expressed strong support for wider menu choices, including non-dairy milks.
Several board members raised practical implementation questions including whether younger students would select the options, how menu choices have performed in pilots, and potential cost implications; members said staff and the superintendent should be asked to return with details.
The board moved into closed session after public comment; no formal action on the issue was reported when the meeting reconvened.
