ILLINOIS (VINnews) — After more than two years of dedicated advocacy, Agudath Israel of Illinois (AIOI) has successfully championed the passage of SB457, a significant piece of legislation now awaiting the governor’s approval. The bill mandates that schools, correctional facilities, and state hospitals provide kosher and halal food options upon request, ensuring that individuals with religious dietary needs have access to meals that align with their faith.
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
Notably, the legislation also amends the Kosher Food Act, which prohibits the sale of food wrongly labeled as certified kosher but has been unenforceable, as it did not contain a legal definition of kosher. This bill now provides a definition, which should enable the enforcement of the Kosher Food Act.
Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, director of government affairs for Agudath Israel of Illinois shared, “We are pleased with this outcome, which ensures students have access to meal options that align with their religious dietary requirements. The success of this legislation comes after a gubernatorial veto of a previous version of the bill and extensive collaboration among stakeholders. We extend our gratitude to the governor and his team for their collaboration with Agudath Israel, the bill’s chief sponsors, Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and Representative Kevin Olickal (D-Chicago), our Muslim partners, and other stakeholders in achieving this important milestone.”
The passage of SB457 represents a landmark achievement, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and respect for diverse religious practices in public institutions with bipartisan support.
“Ensuring our youth has access to food that respects their dietary restrictions is imperative for their health,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam. “This measure continues to break down barriers when accessing food, particularly in schools, and builds upon the commitment to providing an inclusive environment for all.”
“The passage of this legislation ensures that students across Illinois have access to religiously accommodated lunches. We are not only respecting their cultural and spiritual needs but also fostering a learning environment where every child feels valued and supported,” said State Rep. Kevin Olickal. “This is a win for our students, their families, and the principles that make our state strong.”
“Muslim” allies?? I wonder how true that really is. What are there positions on Israel? Palestine? October 7th? Hezbollah? Antisemitism?
NY State has had a “Kosher Consumer Protection Law” for decades. It’s a disaster. The “Director” notices fines to Shomer Shabbos owned businesses, and even to Rabbonim Hamachshirim, because they allegedly did not “register” or file paperwork. And on the other side of the coin, the Director gives Compliance Reports (like the “A” from Health Department) to places you would never eat at. But since those places are “Self Certified” or certified by anyone (could even be a gallach certifying chazir), they are compliant. As long as the paperwork is filed and registered they are legally recognized as “kosher certified”. I am not making this up. The counsel for Ag Department said it. He even laughed thought it was funny “Father Finnigan can legally certify the ham as kosher”.