Student nutrition directors like Primer say California’s universal free school lunch program is the foundation that allows schools to try new recipes. She points out that when school meals are free, students are more likely to actually enjoy them. “Free meals plus delicious meals equals more meals every time you participate.”
Nora Stewart, author of the Friends of the Earth report, says the recent increase in vegan school lunch options is due to the increased intake of meat and dairy products in cafeterias by climate-sensitive students. It is also in response to the growing demand for reducing the amount of waste. “We’re seeing a lot of interest from students and parents about eating more plant-based (diet) as a way to really reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” she says. A majority of Gen Zers (79%) say they don’t eat meat at least once or twice a week, according to a survey by Aramark, a food service provider to school districts, universities and other customers. And the restaurant company, which recently introduced an all-vegetarian menu in the San Francisco Unified School District, credits students with “taking the initiative” to ask for less meat in the cafeteria. The menu includes four vegan options: an edamame teriyaki bowl, a bean burrito bowl, a taco bowl with a pea-based meat alternative, and a marinara pasta.
Stewart theorizes that school nutrition directors are also becoming increasingly aware of the other benefits of offering vegan meals. “Many school districts are recognizing that they can integrate more culturally diverse options with more plant-based meals,” Stewart said. In the past five years, California school districts have added 41 new vegan dishes to their menus, including chana masala bowls, vegan tamales and falafel wraps, according to the nonprofit group’s research. A dairy-free diet also helps students with lactose intolerance, many of whom are students of color.
Still, vegan food is far from the default in California cafeterias and is unheard of in many places. Of the state’s 25 largest school districts, only three elementary school districts offer daily vegan menus, the same number as in 2019. According to Friends of the Earth, a quarter of the California school districts they surveyed do not offer plant-based meals. option. In another quarter, the only vegan option for students is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. “I was surprised to see that,” Stewart said.
(Tag Translate) Climate Desk
