By Bob Katzen

The Higher Education Committee held a hearing on a bill, dubbed the Bean New Deal, designed to help more people understand the climate, health and environmental benefits of diets that involve plant-based protein sources, whether exclusively or just occasionally.

It also would ensure that public food establishments and public programs provide access to plant-based protein sources to those who want them.

THE BEAN NEW DEAL (S 922) – The Higher Education Committee held a hearing on a bill, dubbed the Bean New Deal, designed to help more people understand the climate, health and environmental benefits of diets that involve plant-based protein sources, whether exclusively or just occasionally. It also would ensure that public food establishments and public programs provide access to plant-based protein sources to those who want them.

Provisions include ones that would require all state dining halls, cafeterias and canteens to provide at least one plant-based protein source with every meal; ensure that all culinary arts programs at public institutions of higher education provide instruction about plant-based protein sources; direct the Department of Elder Affairs to offer plant-based protein sources to low-income seniors who participate in the Senior Nutrition Program; direct the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to offer voluntary training and resources concerning plant-based protein sources to organizations participating in the National School Lunch Program and other food programs it oversees; and direct DESE, in awarding food-related grants, to consider whether proposals will increase awareness of and access to plant-based protein sources.

“Eating more plant-based proteins is beneficial to human health, to the climate and to the environment, but many of us don’t know about those benefits and don’t have access to healthy options like beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts and chickpeas,” said sponsor Sen. Cindy Creem (D-Newton). “I filed the Bean New Deal legislation to promote awareness of the benefits of plant-based eating and to increase access to plant-based options at public institutions and within public nutrition programs. Massachusetts residents should be able to choose food options that foster healthier communities and promote sustainability. This bill would give them that choice.”