Halal Integrity Certification

Halal Integrity Certification logo

Majlis Ash-Shura partners with schools, families, and food service teams to bring verified halal options to students across New York.

  • First halal certifying body for NYC public schools
  • Developed with imams, educators, and advocates
  • Focus on student dignity and real inclusion

A quick overview of how the certification process works and why it matters for Muslim students and families.

  • 40+Schools certified & growing
  • NYC & L.I.Regions served
  • ZabihaHalal standard

Our story

Halal certification for New York schools

Majlis Ash-Shura is the first halal certifying body in New York to certify public schools. What began as a small pilot has grown into a citywide effort that now includes dozens of campuses.

Our mission is simple: every Muslim student should have access to halal school meals without feeling excluded from their classmates.

Cafeteria staff holding their halal training certificates after a session with a Majlis Ash-Shura imam
Cafeteria teams after halal handling training

What we provide

From sourcing to serving

We work with the NYC Department of Education and schools to implement halal options and train food service teams, so halal meals are handled with consistency and care.

  • Guidance for school leaders

    We meet principals and leadership teams to explain the process, the standard, and what each school needs to begin.

  • Cafeteria team training

    Hands-on collaboration with cafeteria teams on handling, storage, serving, and preventing cross-contact.

  • Trusted vendors & compliance

    Alignment on approved vendors plus ongoing compliance checks that protect student and family trust.

What we mean by “halal”

Zabiha halal: hand-slaughtered by a Muslim who mentions the name of Allah.

Many schools offer vegetarian meals, but families want real halal meal options that let Muslim students eat the same main meal as classmates.

Majlis Ash-Shura follows this widely recognized, strict standard. It supports families across different traditions and gives confidence in what students are served.

How certification works

Three steps to a certified kitchen

Schools begin through principals, cafeteria teams, or PTAs who request halal service.

  1. 1

    Initial request & meeting

    We meet with school leadership to explain the process and requirements.

  2. 2

    Staff training

    Cafeteria workers are trained by a designated imam on handling, storage, serving, and preventing cross-contact.

  3. 3

    Kitchen review & certification

    After inspection, qualifying schools receive halal certification and begin serving meals from approved vendors.

Why it matters

Dignity and belonging for Muslim students

Offering halal meals helps Muslim students feel included at the lunch table without compromising their beliefs. It shows students they are seen, respected, and valued as full members of the school community.

Resources for families & schools

Bring halal meals to your school

Stay updated on certified schools, or connect with our team to start certification at your school.