KENT, Wash. — Muslim children in the Kent school district will soon be able to enjoy meals served in the school cafeteria. In an announcement Thursday, OneAmerica, an education advocacy non-profit, said the school district has become the first in Washington to provide certified Halal meals for students.
The introduction of halal meals, according to the organization, will impact hundreds of students in Kent.
According to data from the Census Bureau, Kent has one of the largest muslim populations in Washington by percentage.
“It feels absolutely amazing to walk into the cafeteria and see meals that actually fit my life and culture,” said Kent High School freshman Safa Malekzai. “Knowing that our school went out of its way to include us makes me incredibly proud to be a student here every single day.”
The organization says community members began advocating for halal meals to be available starting in December of 2025.
“This is a win for the Muslim community and students, but I think it’s also a win for all students,” said Spencer Pan, Executive Director of Technology and Partnerships at Kent School District.
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