Our Bureau
New York City, NY
The Office of Ethnic and Community Media held an ethnic and community media roundtable on October 11 to raise awareness about Halal food access in public schools in New York City. Chris Tricarico, New York City Public Schools Senior Executive Director of the Office of Food and Nutrition Services was the main speaker whereas Jose Bayona, Executive Director, MOECM was the moderator.
The Halal Food Program was created to strengthen food equity for children in NYC schools. The program applies the highest standard of Halal to cater to all Muslim students. Majlis Ash-Shura (MAS), Islamic Leadership Council of New York, became the first halal certifying body in New York to certify public schools. Since the successful pilot program in 6 NYC public schools in 2018, it expanded to certification of 88 schools. The New York City public schools partnered with MAS for procurement of halal meat, training the staff, and certifications.
There are unannounced inspections by moms and the foods are clearly labelled. There is a plan to expand the certification process to include as many schools as possible.
Chris Tricarico, New York City Public Schools Senior Executive Director of the Office of Food and Nutrition Services explained the process, “ School Principal may request the Halal Food Program. A school’s kitchen must be inspected and in compliance with a Halal Food Safety Management system to become certified and permitted to offer and serve Halal food products. Throughout the school year, all certified schools participate in announced and unannounced maintenance inspections to affirm Halal product and food handler integrity.”
If any school communities are interested in an extended halal menu, their school principal will work with the entire school community and Majlis Ash-Shura (MAS) the Islamic Leadership Council of New York to add the service to the respective site. As per MAS, every child should have options to fulfill their nutritional needs without concerns of violating religious dietary restrictions or feeling left out from enjoying foods, like chicken nuggets, with their fellow peers.
As per the Islamic Leadership Council, MAS “halal” meat is considered as Zabiha (hand-slaughtered) by Muslims who utter the name of God before sacrificing the animal in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Mr Sunil Hali, Publisher and Promoter, The Indian EYE Worldwide Media & Entertainment Group raised an important point of how this initiative has attracted more students to schools. By introducing halal meat to the menu, no child has to feel left behind when it comes to enjoying lunch with their school companions.
