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SR 625

CPS PORK PRODUCT BAN

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jil Tracy and 1 co-sponsor

CPS should review its pork ban in meals, disclose rationale and data, seek expert input, and consider limited testing to reintroduce pork if beneficial.

Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Jil Tracy
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 625

Summary of Bill: SR0625 (104th General Assembly, Illinois) – CPS Pork Product Ban

Purpose and intent

  • The resolution urges the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education to conduct a formal review of its Local School Wellness Policy provision that prohibits pork products in all CPS breakfast and lunch offerings.
  • It aims to uncover the original rationale, supporting documentation, and nutrition analysis behind the pork prohibition, and to consider broader input from nutrition experts, food service professionals, and stakeholders.
  • The resolution also encourages CPS to evaluate whether limited menu testing or pilot programs allowing pork products could better align with current nutrition science, cultural inclusion, fiscal stewardship, and the utilization of USDA foods.

Key provisions and changes proposed

  • Request for Review: CPS Board of Education should perform a formal review of the pork prohibition in the Local School Wellness Policy.
  • Documentation and Transparency: The review should identify and disclose the rationale and supporting documentation that led to the prohibition, including any nutrition analyses, cost analyses, and deliberations.
  • Expert and Stakeholder Input: The review should include consultation with nutrition experts and food service professionals, as well as consideration of input from CPS stakeholders (likely including families and communities served by CPS).
  • Pilot and Testing Consideration: The resolution encourages exploration of limited menu testing or pilot programs that would permit pork products, assessing alignment with nutrition science, cultural inclusion, fiscal responsibility, and use of available USDA foods.

Who/what is affected

  • Affected Entity: Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the CPS Board of Education.
  • Indirectly affected groups: CPS students and families (including cultural and dietary considerations), CPS food service operations, and stakeholders involved in nutrition and school meal programs.
  • County/State-level impact: The resolution references Illinois’ role in pork production and related economic activity to contextualize the policy discussion but does not mandate changes outside CPS.

Background and context provided in the resolution

  • CPS is a large district serving over 325,000 students, with significant federal meal program participation.
  • CPS has a district-wide pork prohibition in all breakfast and lunch offerings since December 2020.
  • The resolution notes USDA dietary guidelines recognize pork as a nutrient-dense protein and emphasizes the economic importance of pork production in Illinois, including job creation and industry significance.
  • It also notes that CPS participates in the National School Lunch Program and receives USDA foods, including pork products eligible under Section 32.
  • The resolution argues that the current blanket prohibition may limit menu flexibility and access to cost-effective protein options funded by federal resources, and that CPS typically offers multiple entrée options to accommodate dietary needs.

Timeline and procedural aspects

  • This document is a Senate Resolution (SR0625) introduced in the 104th Illinois General Assembly.
  • As a resolution, it expresses the Senate’s urging for CPS to undertake a review; it does not itself mandate policy changes or appropriate funding.
  • Sponsorship: Co-sponsors listed are Celina Villanueva and Jil Tracy.

Potential impacts if adopted

  • CPS Board of Education would undertake a transparent review of the pork prohibition, potentially leading to policy reconsideration.
  • Depending on findings, CPS could pilot programs to reintroduce pork options, adjust procurement, or maintain the prohibition with enhanced justification.
  • Students and families could see changes in menu offerings or in the justification behind dietary decisions.
  • The resolution frames pork as a nutrient-dense protein and places emphasis on cultural and dietary inclusion, cost considerations, and alignment with USDA resources.

Key numbers and context (from the bill text)

  • CPS serves >325,000 students and provides ~350,000 meals daily through federal programs.
  • Illinois pork industry: ~$11.9 billion annual impact; about 732,690 related jobs.
  • The U.S. Dietary Guidelines (2025-2030) recognize pork as a nutrient-dense protein when prepared appropriately.

Note: As a resolution, SR0625 does not create new law or funding obligations; it directs a stakeholder review and encourages consideration of policy adjustments within CPS.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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