Muslim Civic Coalition Testifies in Springfield for Funding of Halal and Kosher School Meals
Springfield, IL – On April 28, 2026, the Muslim Civic Coalition testified before the Illinois Senate Appropriations Committee for Education in support of $5 million in FY2027 funding to implement the Faith By Plate Act (Public Act 103-0514), also known as the Halal Kosher Bill.
Executive Director of the Muslim Civic Coalition, Amina Barhumi. and Glenwood High School sophomore Maryam Hafiz, delivered proponent testimony alongside State Senator Ram Villivalam, the chief champion of the legislation.
The Faith By Plate Act, signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker in March 2025, made Illinois the first state in the nation to require public schools to offer halal and kosher meal options upon request. The K-12 portion is now subject to appropriation.
In her testimony, Amina Barhumi presented key data from the Illinois Muslim Report and emphasized the urgency of funding:
“According to the Illinois Muslim Report, 94% of Illinois Muslims say halal meals are essential, yet nearly 40% of Muslim parents report their school-age children still lack consistent access.”
“No Illinois student should ever have to choose between practicing their faith and eating a nutritious school meal.”
“When students receive meals that meet their dietary needs and respect their identity, they focus better, attend more regularly, behave better, and achieve at higher levels. Nutritional equity is educational equity.”
“We have already passed the law. Now is the time to fund the promise… Let us now lead by fully funding and implementing it.”
High school student Maryam Hafiz shared a powerful personal perspective:
“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.”
“No student should have to feel singled out or excluded because of the food they eat, or their religious background.”
“Lunch should be a time when students recharge and connect with friends. For many, it is. For students like me, it often becomes a moment of quiet exclusion.”
Take Action Today:
Help us move this forward by emailing your state senator and state representative right now. Ask them to support full funding for the Faith By Plate Act through SB 4189 and HB 5754. A quick, personal email from constituents makes a real difference.
The next major advocacy opportunity is to join Asian American Action Day on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 in Springfield, where the Coalition will continue pushing for full funding of the Faith By Plate Act.
Registration is now open. To attend, volunteer, or travel with the Muslim Civic Coalition to Springfield on May 6, please visit our website or reach out to info@muslimciviccoalition.org.
The Muslim Civic Coalition thanks Senator Ram Villivalam and Representatives Kevin Olickal - chief sponsors of the bill, for their leadership and remains committed to working with legislators and school districts to ensure every Illinois student has access to nutritious meals that respect their faith and identity.