This bill matters because it directly impacts the daily meal choices of millions of schoolchildren across the country. Currently, many schools primarily offer traditional dairy milk, which can be an issue for children with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or those from families who follow vegan or other specific diets. If this bill passes, it ensures that all children participating in the school lunch program have access to a nutritious beverage that fits their dietary needs or preferences. Without this bill, schools are not explicitly required to offer plant-based alternatives, potentially leaving some students with limited or no suitable beverage choice during lunch. With it, schools would need to broaden their offerings, making school lunch more inclusive and accessible for a wider range of students, promoting better health outcomes and greater equity in school meals.