LVJUSD Adds Vegan 'Kickin' Nuggets' To School Lunch Menu

LIVERMORE, CA — Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District is one of the latest Tri-Valley school districts to serve up vegan nuggets at lunchtime.

Kickin' Nuggets, made by Seattle-based Rebellyous Foods, have no cholesterol, antibiotics or hormones, according to a statement from the company, which specializes in plant-based faux meat products. The soy protein nuggets were specially made for schools and meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture National School Lunch Program standards for two meat alternate credits, Rebellyous said.

The nearby San Ramon Valley Unified School District was the first in the country to add Kickin' Nuggets to its school lunch menu last year. This year, San Ramon and Danville schools are joined in offering the nuggets by districts in Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, Santa Ana in Southern California and Everett, Washington.

“Schools play a pivotal role in shaping children’s dietary patterns, so we are thrilled to be able to offer Rebellyous Kickin Nuggets to help acquaint our diners with delicious plant-based options while teaching the importance of eating a wider variety of foods,” Frank Castro, DUSD child nutrition services director, said in a statement.

The addition of Kickin' Nuggets to Tri-Valley school lunch menus comes as tight chicken supply affects grocery stores and restaurants alike across the country. Pandemic-related layoffs, bad weather and high demand for chicken affected supply across the country, ABC7 reported.

KFC U.S. President Kevin Hochman told Bloomberg that the fast food giant hasn't been able to advertise its chicken tenders nearly as much as it would like because of supply chain disruptions.

Want to taste test Kickin' Nuggets for yourself? Find Rebellyous Foods products at Safeway, and get the lowdown on Kickin' Nuggets ingredients.