The school district has partnered with the Humane Society of the United States to promote inclusive, sustainable, and nutritious school meals.
Northshore School District has made waves in Washington state, becoming the first district in the Pacific Northwest to pledge 28% plant-based menus by 2027. Teaming up with the Humane Society of the United States, Northshore is reshaping school meals, setting a new standard for inclusivity, sustainability, and nutrition in K-12 food service.
A Diverse Menu for a Diverse Community
Serving around 22,000 students, Northshore School District celebrates a variety of cultural backgrounds, with over 123 languages spoken across its schools. Responding to students’ demands for nutritious and culturally respectful meals, the district already offers plant-based options like Rajma Masala, Chickpea Coconut Curry, Thai Noodle Salad, and Moroccan Harira. These dishes reflect the district’s commitment to student health, environmental values, and ethical eating.
Partnering for Progress
To kickstart their plant-based journey, Northshore and the Humane Society co-presented at the Washington School Nutrition Association’s annual conference in July. This presentation underscored the importance of offering plant-based menus and provided actionable tips for schools. The HSUS Food Service Innovation team continues to support Northshore’s mission by offering chef-led culinary trainings, student engagement strategies, and marketing assistance.
Paving the Way for Sustainable School Meals
Juliana Fisher, Northshore’s director of food and nutrition services, said, “Signing the Humane Society of the United States’ Forward Food pledge is a significant step for us in Northshore School District. We are dedicated to reaching 28% plant-based options by 2027. We serve a wonderfully diverse community, with over 123 languages spoken, and it's vital that our menu choices reflect this diversity. By embracing more plant-based options, we are making a meaningful move towards sustainability and ensuring that every student can enjoy nutritious, inclusive meals. This pledge underscores our dedication to health, inclusivity and environmental responsibility."
Kym Bower, food service innovation specialist at the Humane Society of the United States, praised the district for setting an example for other schools in the region, stating, “We commend Northshore School District for taking this step in becoming the first district in Washington to showcase its dedication to humane, inclusive and climate-friendly menus. We hope this commitment to diversifying school menus inspires other districts in Washington to follow suit and see that they too can make a difference."
