Parents ‘disgusted’ over ‘meat-free Monday’ plan
VEGETARIAN MEAL SCHEME BRANDED ‘A JOKE’ BY PARENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
PARENTS have slammed a decision to introduce “meat-free Mondays” in schools when there is already a daily vegetarian option.
East Riding Council introduced the policy, with the aim of cutting meat intakes in diets, to reduce the environmental impact of farming and fishing.
The council says it comes as it is being asked to produce recipes and menus suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets on a regular basis.
However, parents have called the decision a “joke”, pointing out there is already a vegetarian option five days per week, and saying children need their protein from meat.
One parent said it was forcing her child to be a vegetarian and said even though she’s entitled to free school meals, she will now send her daughter a packed lunch every Monday.
One mum said: “I think this is disgusting. A meat-free option is offered daily, so a meat option should also be offered daily.”
Another said: “For some kids it’s the only meal they will get each day and they need the protein and iron from meat.”
Bridlington butcher Richard Smith, who runs Smiths Butchers also voiced his opposition to the introduction
Mondays.
Taking to his business Facebook page, he said: “It has been brought to our attention that East Riding Council has introduced meat-free Monday for school meals.
“Now this isn’t us trying to have a dig at vegans or vegetarians as we respect their views and opinions.
“Our point is that there is vegetarian option every day, but NO meat on a Monday. Surely children or parents should have this choice and not be forced into vegetarian meals.”
Parents also discussed the issue on Facebook.
One said: “Meat-free Mondays is like demanding there to be glutenfree Friday, because my daughter has coeliac disease. And that isn’t a choice”
Another said: “I understand why they are doing this, but every child should be given the option of meat or no meat.
“My child has problems with his growth hormones and needs to eat high-calorie food and lots of protein. I hope they will be substituting the meat for another type of protein.
Another said: “I don’t understand the need – there’s already a vegetarian option every day.”
But not of everyone meat-free is against proposed menu changes, some defended the council.
One mum said: “I think it’s a great idea, we don’t always eat meat at home – we love tofu and veggie substances also, just as much as we enjoy meat. Given that meat production has a huge environmental impact I think it’s a great idea to show kids that there are other options available.”
David Johnston, the council’s commercial strategic manager, said the meals now on offer on Mondays had previously proven popular with pupils.
He said: “We are now being asked to produce recipes and menus which are suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets on a more regular basis.
“The options we are offering on Mondays are dishes which have proved popular previously and we have worked to ensure that the menus conform to school food standards.
“Individual schools have the option to change the menu, with direction from the headteacher and governing body, as long as the menu adheres to the food standards set by the Government.
“The Catering Services Team will consider the feedback to the new menu and will consult with our schools, looking at alternative options, if schools feel it is appropriate.” and