Bid to boost vegan choices for city school meals praised
MOVES to improve meal choices for vegan pupils in Glasgow have been welcomed by parents and campaigners.
The council is to introduce a new menu for children who don’t eat animal products, from January, and has also said that vegan diets will be a ‘standing item’ on the menu planning agenda, which should mean that any parents requesting a vegan diet for their child will be accommodated.
Glasgow is said to have more vegans than any other city in the UK.
The plan has been welcomed by vegan activists and parents, including Andy Clark, dad to three-year-old, vegan, Frida who complained that his daughter had four menu options for an entire term at Eastwood nursery on Glasgow’s South Side compared to 11 for meat eaters.
He said: “Credit to the council for listening to our concerns and issues raised, being so proactive and recognising the needs of children with vegan dietary requirements within their schools and nurseries.
“We thank them for their decisive, positive action which once again shows Glasgow as one of the most progressive, veganfriendly
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Barbara Bolton, of Go Vegan Scotland, said: “This is very positive, but it has taken Frida’s parents at least five months of discussion with the council to secure an appropriate menu for their daughter.
“Parents shouldn’t have to fight for suitable food in this way. It will be important that parents are made aware of the existence of the vegan menu.
“We know from speaking to vegan children and parents that many of Scotland’s schools are not providing any vegan options at all, and are even refusing to provide suitable food when pressed to do so by parents.”
A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said: “We will continue to work with parents, carers and staff to review and adjust our menus to offer balanced and nutritious school meals that meet the needs of our children and young people.”