Minnesota Takes an Important Step Forward on Plant-Based School Meals

by | Aug 18, 2025

August 18, 2025

Rep. Josiah Hill (center), a co-author of HF 2764, with Genevieve Vavreck of MN Plant-Based Kids (left) and Jodi Gruhn, director of CAA’s Wholesome Minnesota program (right). Photo: Genevieve Vavreck.

This past spring, Minnesota lawmakers introduced bipartisan legislation (HF 2764/SF 2970) to ensure that students enjoy access to a daily plant-based meal option through their school lunch programs. The effort, led by Rep. Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley of Brooklyn Park and Sen. Steve Cwodzinski of Eden Prairie, was made possible by the dedicated work of staff and volunteers at Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA), Wholesome Minnesota, MN Plant-Based Kids, and other grassroots advocacy organizations.

Why Plant-Based School Meals?

In 2023, Minnesota became the first state in the Midwest to implement universal free meals for public school students. However, many families were left out of the program because school districts aren’t required to offer a meal option that accommodates students whose diets exclude some or all animal products. This includes students who follow certain ethical and religious practices, those with food allergies and special medical needs, and those concerned about the environmental and health impact of their food choices.

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Why Legislative Change Takes Time (And Why Your Support Matters)

by | Jun 13, 2025

June 16, 2025

by: Jodi Gruhn, Wholesome Minnesota Director

Genevieve (MN Plant-Based Kids), Jodi Gruhn (Wholesome MN), Senator Bobby Joe Champion (59, DFL) President of the Senate, Anna Larsson (Constituent and CAA Volunteer)

A Note on the Recent Tragedies

Before moving on to Jodi’s post, CAA would like to share that we are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting that claimed the life of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, and critically injured Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman. Our hearts go out to their families and loved ones. Amidst this painful moment, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building a peaceful, compassionate future for all.

Wholesome Minnesota is working alongside MN Plant-Based Kids to pass legislation that calls Minnesota public school districts to offer plant-based meal options upon request. Similar to what was passed in Illinois in 2023, we are asking Minnesota’s legislature to deliver on the promise of universal meals for all students and support family/student choice. While this legislation seems like a simple ask, legislative change takes an excruciating amount of time requiring us to play the long game.

Think of Passing a Bill Like Building a House

You wouldn’t start construction without blueprints, permits, and the right team. Similarly, getting HF2764 and SF2970 (our plant-based school meals bills) passed requires careful groundwork that could take years.

The Foundation Phase — Finding Your Champions

Before we can even introduce our bill, we need legislative authors — lawmakers willing to put their name and reputation behind our cause. This isn’t as simple as asking; it requires building relationships, demonstrating community need, and showing how plant-based options align with their values and their constituents’ interests. In our case we worked hard and got Rep. Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley and Senator Steve Cwodinski to be authors of our bill.

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Plant-Based Progress: Wholesome Minnesota’s Spring 2024 Highlights

by | May 24, 2024

May 24, 2024

Karen Students at St. Paul ECFE class tasting some yummy plant-based fooods

CAA’s Wholesome Minnesota program made a big impact this spring! We held multiple events promoting plant-based diets with a variety of groups. Jodi Gruhn, Wholesome MN Director, inspired students and families through presentations, cooking sessions, and interactive activities.

The focus was on the critical link between diet and personal and environmental health. This message resonated with diverse audiences, encouraging healthier and more sustainable dietary choices. This blog provides an overview of each of the presentations.

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Wholesome Minnesota is on a roll! Presentations to Green Club youth and FACs classes plant seeds of change

by | Nov 10, 2023

November 10, 2023

A WM FACS class lesson on the healthfulness and tastiness of Tofu Mouse!

In October, Wholesome returned to meet with the Hopkins Green Club again. The teacher at Hopkins has been incredibly supportive, making it a seamless collaboration. Jodi shared her information on the interconnectedness of climate and our food choices. She introduced the hot topic of the Colorado River. Jodi shared: “if we break it down, we can very clearly see the pattern of destruction and overconsumption from animal agriculture. This subject seems to be resonating.”

Jodi has also been visiting FACS classes to introduce youth to plant-based foods and how healthy and tasty they can be. On November 7, she visited a Bloomington Kennedy class. The students got hands-on, making tofu mousse.  This interactive approach helped them develop an appreciation for plant-based alternatives.  It was an invaluable opportunity for Jodi to build rapport and gather insights. The teacher was so impressed that she is connecting Jodi with other FACS teachers she knows.

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Wholesome Minnesota supports successful student initiatives

by | May 1, 2023

May 1, 2023

 

Over the past year, CAA’s Wholesome Minnesota program has focused on working with student environmental groups.  The education, support and empowerment we offer has helped jumpstart great progress! Plant-based school meals are being instituted and students are educating their peers on the issue. 

 

Wholesome Minnesota began meeting with environmental groups at two Bloomington High Schools. Discussions have covered the environment, inclusivity and the connection to plant-based eating.

 

The students have been particularly interested in plant-based nutrition and cooking. Wholesome MN and Support and Feed partnered to provide their meetings with vegan food.  This included meals from The Herbivorous Butcher, J. Selby’s and HEAL.

 

Students have dedicated themselves to educating other students about plant-based foods. They presented their “Inclusive Lunch Proposal” to the Bloomington Public Schools School Board. The students’ voices were heard! Kennedy High School now has black bean burgers on the menu three times a week and a salad bar every day. 

 

On Earth Day, these students gave out seedlings and plant-based granola to their classmates. They encouraged them to take a survey on plant-based school meals. It helped spread the word about the environmental benefits of plant-based food. A video was shown on the school morning newscast showcasing their efforts.

 

There was also success from Wholesome MN’s work with the Westonka High School Green Team. After a presentation, students asked for some plant-based options for school meals.  And got them! Based on their input, the Nutrition Director added a veggie burger and vegan chicken nuggets, one day each week.

 

Wholesome Minnesota director Jodi Gruhn has also worked with other schools.  Jodi presented at the Apple Valley School for Environmental Studies in March. In addition, she gave two sessions for their celebration of Earth Week. She offered students a new way to advocate for the environment.

 

This work is part of Wholesome Minnesota’s goal to reduce consumption of animal products in Minnesota institutions. In addition to working with students, Jodi has also contacted School Nutrition directors. Last month she was the keynote speaker at their annual conference in partnership with Christine Coughlin, of the Forward Food Program of the Humane Society of the United States, Wholesome MN is also working with area hospitals to try and reduce animal products in their cafeterias as well.