Muslim Civic Coalition Testifies for $5 Million Funding to Implement Faith By Plate Act in Illinois Schools
Springfield, IL — May 19, 2026 - The Muslim Civic Coalition delivered powerful testimony today before the House Appropriations – Elementary & Secondary Education Committee in strong support of $5 million in FY2027 funding to implement the Faith By Plate Act (HB 5754 / SB 4189) in Illinois public K-12 schools.
Executive Director Amina Barhumi and Glenwood High School sophomore Maryam Hafiz urged lawmakers to fully fund this landmark law, which made Illinois the first state in the nation to guarantee halal and kosher meal options for students upon request.
Why This Funding Matters
While the Faith By Plate Act (Public Act 103-0514), was signed into law in March 2025 — with the mandate already in effect for public prisons and hospitals — funding is still required for full implementation in K-12 public schools.
“No Illinois student should ever have to choose between practicing their faith and eating a nutritious school meal,” said Amina Barhumi. “Nutritional equity is educational equity.”
According to the Illinois Muslims Report, 94% of Illinois Muslim parents say halal meals are essential, yet nearly 40% report that their school-age children still lack consistent access. Thousands of Muslim and Jewish students across the state continue to go without meals that align with their religious dietary needs.
Maryam Hafiz, a sophomore at Glenwood High School in Chatham, Illinois, shared a compelling personal testimony: “For students like me, the difference between a law that exists on paper and a law that is actually implemented is the difference between feeling included and feeling left out every single day.”
Amina Barhumi emphasized the feasibility and importance of the investment: “We have already passed the law. Now is the time to fund the promise. Since the law passed in March 2025, we have held dozens targeted discussions with those most directly impacted and those working inside schools to understand exactly what successful implementation looks like on the ground. This modest, high-impact investment will deliver real results for students from across the state.”
Take Action During Budget Negotiations
Adding a new budget line item is always challenging, especially when it was not included in the Governor’s original budget priorities. The legislature is now in the critical final stage of FY2027 budget negotiations, where lawmakers have the power to add funding to their versions of the budget.
This is the moment when your voice can make a real difference.
You can help secure this funding today by:
Email your legislators today bit.ly/HalalKosherNow
Call or email your State Senator and State Representative - You can find your elected official and their contact information here. Let them know that funding the Faith By Plate Act is a priority for nutritional equity, student dignity, and academic success in Illinois schools
Use this messaging toolkit to amplify the need to feed every student in Illinois.
You can read more about the Faith By Plate Act on our website: https://muslimciviccoalition.org/halal-kosher-bill
The Muslim Civic Coalition remains fully committed to this fight. We led the nation by passing the Faith By Plate Act, now let us lead by fully funding and implementing it.