(WFLD) Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law last week that makes Illinois the first state to mandate the availability of halal and kosher meal options in state-run schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities.
The bill is called the Faith by Plate Act.
What we know: Illinois has one of the largest per capita Jewish and Muslim populations in the country.
Halal and kosher are Arabic and Hebrew words that mean “lawful” or “permitted,” respectively. They guide Muslims’ and observant Jews’ everyday life choices, according to the Muslim Civic Coalition.
The law gives state-operated facilities one year to implement the necessary infrastructure to serve halal and kosher meals.
