Legislatures in four states: Put vegan options on school lunch menus

Legislatures in 4 states: Put vegan options on school lunch menus

Legislatures in four states: Put vegan options on school lunch menus
by Max Kramer
01/06/11

http://www.vegsource.com/news/2011/01/legislatures-in-four-states-put-vegan-options-on-school-lunch-menus.html

This week, President Obama signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act-the first major bipartisan bill enacted by a deeply polarized congress since the election. The act will replace junk food in school lunches and vending machines with more healthful options.

Several jurisdictions have taken similar action. The Hawaii, California, New York and Florida legislatures passed resolutions recommending vegan school options. Last year, the Baltimore City public school system became the first in the nation to offer its 80,000 students a weekly meat-free lunch. According to the School Nutrition Association, 65 per cent of U.S. schools now offer vegetarian lunch options.

In the past, the USDA has used the National School Lunch Program as a dumping ground for surplus meat and dairy commodities. Not surprisingly, 90 percent of American children consume excessive amounts of fat, and only 15 per cent eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. These early dietary flaws become lifelong addictions, raising the risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Those who care about our children's health should demand healthful, plant-based school meals, snacks and vending machine items. Additional information is available at [healthyschoollunches.org], [choiceusa.net] and [schoolnutrition.org].