Forks ready… get set… eat! Children in Edinburgh are to get their first taste of Meat Free Monday today, as schools in the Scottish capital proudly join the campaign.
All of the 80 primary schools currently served by Edinburgh Catering Services (ECS) will be taking part. Council-run ECS is by far the biggest school meal provider in the city, delivering over 18,000 meals daily.
Chris Ross, city of Edinburgh council’s catering manager, said the council had been keen to get involved with Meat Free Monday, and that the schools involved had welcomed the idea and were looking forward to taking part. He said there was a growing trend for pupils choosing meat free dishes and that, over the past year, the uptake in vegetarian meals had “dramatically increased”.
“We have been working to increase the amount of fruit and vegetables pupils eat while at school and hope the Meat Free Monday campaign contributes to our whole school approach to healthy eating and healthy lifestyles,” Ross added. “We can’t wait to get pupils’ feedback.”
Meals on offer at the start of the week at ECS schools include Quorn Pasta Bolognaise, Veggie Balls and Yorkshire Pudding, and Baked Potato with a choice of fillings. A vegetarian option is also available for pupils during the week.
Edinburgh is just one of many places in the world where schoolchildren are not only afforded a better diet but a chance to learn more about their health and the planet – and why eating less meat is vital for protecting both. It has even been shown to improve brain power! Some lucky Merseyside pupils have been part of MFM since 2011, while schools in Brooklyn, New York, are going meat free this year. Others are eating the good bite in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Taiwan, while some unenlightened Swedish farmers protested the decision in Nyköping, Sweden.
Like carrot and coriander, pea and mint or peaches and soya cream, MFM and schools work brilliantly together. Have a look at our video to see how your school could benefit from joining the campaign.