Despite the contraction in both the domestic and institutional markets for plant-based meat alternatives in the U.S., proponents of vegan food consider school lunches as a captive outlet.  In addition to the major manufacturers, a number of relatively small local producers including Rebellyous in Seattle, Better Chew, and Dos Pisanos have made substantial inroads into school feeding usually at the district level in blue states.

The current initiative is headed by Dominick Machi previously Director of Food Nutrition Services at the Mt. Diablo School District in northern California.

Appeals to welfare, ‘health,’ sustainability and the environment have favored adoption by administrators despite the non-competitive cost of plant-based alternatives contrary to the needs of cost-conscious school districts,.

The trend to alternatives to animal-derived products in school feeding has future implications. Children accustomed to plant-based nuggets and other menu items will become future consumers with a preference towards plant-based alternatives to real meat.