Fund the Promise for Halal and Kosher Meals in Illinois

We live in a world where stories and narratives about Muslim communities are too often told about us, rarely by us. Students face real consequences: they are more likely to be bullied for their identity, and anti-Muslim hatred is a painful daily reality in many schools. Rather than waiting on the sidelines or addressing these challenges only through piecemeal grassroots efforts in individual schools, the Muslim Civic Coalition works proactively at the state level to deliver systemic solutions that affirm dignity, belonging, and equity for all families.

The Faith By Plate Act, also known as the Halal Kosher Bill (Public Act 103-0514), is one such solution. Signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker in March 2025 and championed by State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Kevin Olickal, the law makes Illinois the first state in the nation to require halal and kosher meal options in public schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities. However, while the law has passed, the mandate for K-12 public schools is subject to appropriations. It remains symbolic until dedicated funding is secured in the state budget. The Muslim Civic Coalition is proud to partner with IFANCA, a committed funder, to advance this work and ensure the promise of the law becomes reality for students.

This landmark victory was made possible through a three-year, statewide campaign led by the Muslim Civic Coalition in partnership with many allies and partner organizations statewide.

Now we must fulfill the promise. Without funding, families, especially in communities that need it most, will continue to face barriers to safe, faith-appropriate nutrition.

Based on the Illinois Muslim Report, Illinois is home to the largest per capita Muslim population and one of the largest Jewish populations in the country. The need is clear: 94% of Illinois Muslims say halal meals are essential, yet nearly 40% of Muslim parents report their school-age children still lack access.

Thousands of Muslim and Jewish students remain without institutional meal options that respect their faith. The need spans across the state: from downstate in Peoria, Springfield, Urbana-Champaign, Bloomington-Normal, Decatur, to all the way up to Rockford, Aurora, and Chicagoland with growing communities. 

Even without full state funding, visionary school leaders, teachers, and administrators on the ground have recognized the urgent need and are proactively getting ahead of the mandate. Chicago Public Schools has offered halal and kosher meals since 2023 at more than a dozen sites, including Armstrong, Mosaic School of Fine Arts, Rogers, West Ridge, Sullivan High School, Kilmer, Passages, and Jordan. Other forward-thinking districts have launched pilots or began providing halal and kosher meals long before the bill’s passing, including Niles District 219, Arlington Heights School District 25, Glenbard High Schools, and District 73.5. These early efforts prove both the feasibility and strong community demand for inclusive meals.

Voices from the Community

“As a Muslim educator, I’ve worked in elementary, junior high, and high school, and it’s the most challenging in elementary school. I have to go to all their lunch periods to make sure the Muslim students don’t get the wrong food. So the halal food bill is very important for schools.”

— Diana Elshref, Educator, Springfield Public Schools

“In middle and high school, my options were often limited to the same peanut butter sandwich, week after week. While I was grateful to have something to eat, I couldn’t help but notice the difference in experience between students who had a variety of meals to choose from and those of us who didn’t.”

— Mariam Aljuboory, Junior at Northwestern University, former Chicago Public Schools student

“As a mom with young kids, I know that balanced, healthy meals are vital for our children to focus in school and perform well. Children should also feel comfortable and confident that their school environment will accept them and help them adhere to their religious practices.”

— Laila Kuziez, Pharmacist and Parent, Springfield, IL

The Muslim Civic Coalition has brought together stakeholders across Illinois — including Muslim businesses, educators, and community leaders — to build a practical implementation hub that will help schools successfully roll out the new mandate.

All solutions we offer are fully inclusive. This law positions Illinois as a national model and a smart investment. It can make our state a leader in halal and kosher meal innovation, while creating jobs and strengthening local economies.

A broad and robust coalition of educators, parents, students, and businesses strongly supports this effort. It is backed by data and community demand. Now is the time to fund it.

Take Action Today: Send a Message to Your Legislator to Fund Halal and Kosher Meals

Urge your State Legislator to support funding for halal and kosher meals in the FY2027 budget.

Contact Your Legislator (1 minute): https://bit.ly/HalalKosherNow

Read the One-Pager & FAQ: https://bit.ly/FaithByPlateFAQs

With community leadership and your advocacy, the Muslim Civic Coalition is turning narratives of exclusion into policies of belonging, delivering real nutritional equity for thousands of students, patients, and families across Illinois.