Students skipping meals for religious reasons: Kent adds certified halal
Kent School District has become the first district in Washington to serve certified halal meals, according to education advocacy nonprofit OneAmerica, which announced it on Oct. 22. The change will reach hundreds of students, and community members had been advocating for it since December 2025. Kent High School freshman Safa Malekzai said it feels 'absolutely amazing' to see meals that fit her life and culture, and Spencer Pan, the district's executive director of technology and partnerships, called it a win for all students.
Why it matters for directors: Students who can't eat the menu don't count toward participation. Ask families and student groups which dietary needs keep kids out of the line, then check whether certified products fit your bids.
Original source: KIRO 7 News ↗