Calif. bill would require some noncommercial operators to offer vegan meals

California state Sen. Nancy Skinner has introduced a bill that would require institutions such as prisons, hospitals and nursing homes to offer plant-based meals.

Making vegan meal options available to prisoners and patients would be beneficial to their health and help reduce greenhouse gases, Skinner said in a press release announcing the bill, SB 1138.

“Most importantly, I want to make sure we’re being fair and giving those in institutional settings food options that meet their individual needs,” she said.

Currently, California correctional facilities provide vegetarian options to inmates, but many still contain egg or milk products. Approximately 12,000 of the state’s 129,000 inmates receive special meals, whether for religious preferences, health reasons or ethical dietary reasons, according to The Takeout.