Vegan Chicken Nuggets Launch At School Cafeterias In California and Washington

Around 125,000 U.S. students will now have the chance to try protein-rich plant-based nuggets that contain no cholesterol and less saturated fat than animal-based nuggets.  

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Credit: Rebellyous Foods

Vegan chicken nuggets are launching at school cafeterias across California and Washington in a move to offer students healthier and more sustainable food choices.

The new Kickin’ Nuggets are made by plant-based meat start-up Rebellyous Foods, and will be available at six school districts, collectively serving around 125,000 students, reports VegNews.

Northern California’s San Ramon Valley Unified School District was the first school district to add the plant-based nuggets to its cafeterias, back in 2020. Now, three more districts in the region have followed suit: Dublin Unified, Pleasanton Unified, and Livermore Joint Unified, as well as Santa Ana Unified in Southern California.

And Washington is joining in, too, with Everett Public Schools also adding the vegan nuggets.

“Schools play a pivotal role in shaping children’s dietary patterns, so we are thrilled to be able to offer Rebellyous Kickin’ Nuggets to help acquaint our diners with delicious plant-based options while teaching the importance of eating a wider variety of foods,” said Frank Castro, Director of Child Nutrition Services at Dublin Unified School District.

The protein-rich Kickin’ Nuggets contain no cholesterol, antibiotics, or hormones, and less saturated fat and sodium than animal-based chicken nuggets. 

“As school districts across the nation face supply chain shortages, we are proud to be able to offer students nutritious, delicious, plant-based nuggets,” said Christie Lagally, founder and CEO of Rebellyous. “Making plant-based foods available to everyone, especially schoolchildren, is a critical part of our mission at Rebellyous Foods.”

‘Less Meat, More Veg’ at U.S. Public Institutions 

The launch of vegan chicken nuggets in more school cafeterias comes as an increasing amount of U.S. public institutions are choosing to promote more sustainable and healthy meal choices. 

Berkeley recently became the first U.S. city to commit to phasing out animal products to help support the city’s climate goals. The landmark resolution will shift half of the city’s current spending on animal-based foods to plant-based sources by 2024, meaning a huge increase in sustainable and healthy plant-based food at public events, and in city buildings including senior centres and jails.  

Meanwhile a new law now makes it a legal requirement for hospitals in New York State to offer healthy plant-based foods at every meal, in a move to fight against preventable chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.

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