Government urged to ditch meat mandate for schools

Currently, schools in England are required to serve a portion of dairy every day, a portion of meat at least three times a week, and a portion of fish every three weeks.

We all know that the production of meat, dairy and fish cause terrible animal suffering, especially as most of these products comes from factory farms. But also, the carbon footprint of producing animal products is typically much greater than for plant-based foods; in fact, the carbon footprint of a vegan diet is as much as 60 per cent smaller than a meat-based one.

We’re very happy to support PETA UK’s campaign to revise the current standards so that each school gets to choose whether or how often it serves meat, dairy and fish, providing pupils’ nutritional needs are met.

“[A]ppropriately planned vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. These diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and for athletes.”

– American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The campaign is supported by many other animal protection groups, environmental and health organisations, including Meat Free Monday, co-founded by Sir Paul McCartney.

“No one needs to eat meat, so it shouldn’t be mandatory to serve it in schools. It’s time to revise the School Food Standards to help the planet and promote healthy eating.”

– Paul, Mary and Stella McCartney, Founders, Meat Free Monday.

We urge all of our supporters to help this campaign by signing the PETA UK petition to the Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson.