How to Apply for Halal Meal Service in DOE Schools
A step by step guide for parents and guardians on requesting expanded certified Halal meal service through the Department of Education's Office of Food and Nutrition Services (OFNS).
After many meetings with OFNS and the Mayor's Office, a new protocol is now in place to help parents secure Halal food for their children in New York City public schools. This page walks you through exactly who to contact and what to include, so your request reaches the right people the first time.
An expanded selection of certified Halal meals is available through the Halal Food Program upon request. Parents and guardians interested in bringing expanded certified Halal meal service to their school community should reach out to their school administration, parent association, and OFNS directly at food@schools.nyc.gov.
Who to Contact
Your Principal
Start with your child's school principal. As the school's administrative lead, they play a key role in bringing a Halal meal request forward.
PA or PTA
Loop in your school's Parent Association or Parent Teacher Association. Their support helps show this is a community-wide request, not just an individual one.
School Leadership Team
Include your School Leadership Team (SLT) as well. SLTs help guide school-level decisions and are an important part of this process.
Sample Email Template
Principal, PA/PTA President, SLT Chair
food@schools.nyc.gov
Request for Expanded Certified Halal Meal Service
Need Help With Your Request?
Majlis Ash-Shura is here to support families through this process. Reach out to our team if you have questions or need help drafting your request.