The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), along with its Center for the Prevention of Hate and Bullying (CPHB), today welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s approval of the California Department of Education (CDE)’s statewide waiver request allowing local program operators to serve meals in a non-congregate setting to participants fasting during Ramadan.
The waiver, initiated last year, would allow schools to provide fasting students with to-go meals during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which is set to take place from Feb. 17 to March 18, 2026.
SEE: Ramadan Waiver Reference Sheet
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“We commend the USDA for approving California’s Ramadan meal kit waiver and the CDE for advocating for this important initiative; it represents a meaningful step toward accommodating the needs of California’s diverse students and exemplifies the values of understanding and respect that are crucial in educational settings. Many students depend on school meals for their daily nutrition, and this waiver ensures that students observing fasting during the month of Ramadan can maintain their spiritual commitment without barriers. We urge all California school districts to implement the waiver program, ensuring that Muslims students feel seen and valued at school, not only during Ramadan but throughout the year.”
In a statement, CPHB Director Osman Khan said:
“We welcome the USDA for the Ramadan state waiver initiative and the CDE for advocating on behalf of California’s Muslim students. The approval of non-congregate meals during Ramadan speaks volumes in affirming the dignity of Muslim students and helps them feel heard and seen. When schools make simple accommodations like this, they strengthen the belonging of communities that have been historically marginalized, reduce bias, and protect students’ holistic well-being.”
While this waiver has recently been approved in California, other states are still able to submit a request through the USDA to participate in the non-congregate meal program for Ramadan.
In 2024, several school districts throughout California offered free Ramadan meal kits for fasting students, including the Anaheim Union High School District, Corona-Norco Unified School District, Fullerton School District, Garden Grove Unified School District, and San Diego Unified School District.
SEE ALSO:
- How To Request Ramadan Meal Kits for Muslim Students
- CAIR-LA Welcomes LAUSD Resolution Recognizing Ramadan, Commends Commitment to Inclusivity
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil liberties, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
The Center for the Prevention of Hate and Bullying is a special project of CAIR-CA. The CPHB is dedicated to combating hate, bias, discrimination, and bigotry through training, advocacy, community partnerships, education, and research.
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CONTACT: CPHB Associate Marketing & Media Manager Shejuti Shahriar, (630) 540-8410 or sshahriar@cair.com; CAIR Los Angeles Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com