The City Ministry of Education’s summer meal program offers a variety of halal options at over 25 locations across New York City. However, officials noted that kosher meals “must be ordered specially.”
Breakfast and lunch are free for everyone under 18, regardless of whether they attend public or private schools, at numerous sites including schools, parks, and libraries.
There’s no need to sign up or show identification to receive meals, according to the Department of Education (DOE). “Just head to one of the locations and enjoy a meal,” they said.
Halal food, permissible under Islamic law, is listed in several locations. In contrast, the DOE’s website doesn’t mention kosher food, which is typically sought after by Jewish families.
When questioned about kosher options, the DOE indicated that these meals need to be specially ordered and will be available only upon request, with no formal application process currently in place.
This lack of kosher meal options has sparked frustration among some advocates. Karen Feldman, a teacher and co-founder of the NYCPS Alliance, expressed concern, stating, “The obvious prioritization of halal options while sidelining kosher meals indicates a significant oversight that must be addressed.” She emphasized the need for Jewish families to feel included in such initiatives.
A similar issue arose in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when a request was made to include vegetarian and halal meals in a free meal program. While the DOE does not track students by their religious affiliations, estimates suggest that about 100,000 public school students in NYC are Muslim. The number of Jewish children enrolled is less clear, although a significant number attend private Jewish schools.
The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, which serves a large community, is stepping in to provide emergency food options that align with both kosher and halal dietary needs.
The summer menu includes a variety of halal items, such as buttermilk biscuits, house fries, and different breakfast and lunch options like pizza and chicken sandwiches.
As for ordering kosher meals, the DOE specified that breakfast could include items like muffins and granola, while lunch options might feature hummus, tuna salad, and whole wheat bread.
Last week, the DOE did not provide specific information regarding the preparation or sourcing of halal and kosher foods. Jenna Lyle, a representative from the DOE, said they were pleased to resume the summer meal program this year to ensure young New Yorkers receive proper nourishment.
Funding for the program comes from the DOE’s substantial annual budget dedicated to school meals.
