Agudath Israel Announces Availability of Cholov Yisroel Cheese for NY National School Lunch Program Participants

Agudath Israel announced a significant breakthrough in the availability of Cholov Yisroel cheese for New York yeshivas participating in the National School Lunch Program.  

The USDA's National School Lunch Program, which supports schools and food banks nationwide, contracts with manufacturers to produce bulk goods. These products are distributed to participating schools, including yeshivas, allowing them to access staple foods at deeply discounted prices.  

In New York State, the Agudath Israel Department of Yeshiva Services assisted in the formation of the Kosher Commodities Co-op in 2021 to facilitate the ordering and distribution of these products to yeshivas and schools. However, Cholov Yisroel cheese has not been available for yeshivas participating in the National School Lunch Program for the last two years because of conflicts between USDA standards and kashrus requirements.  

Including cheese in school, lunches is essential because it contains high levels of protein and calcium, which are beneficial for maintaining a child's healthy diet.  

Following extended advocacy by Agudath Israel, a solution has been reached with the USDA, and thousands of yeshiva students will receive nutritious meals up to their kashrus standards.  

"We are very pleased by this significant development, which allows for the availability of Cholov Yisroel cheese to yeshivas participating in the National School Lunch Program," Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel's vice president for government affairs and Washington director, states. "This change will allow thousands of children to receive nourishing meals that meet their kashrus requirements."