Meat Free Mondays In East Riding Schools

Meat is now off the menu in East Riding schools on Mondays under a new council policy.

East Riding Council has adopted ‘Meat Free Mondays’ across its schools. The concept, first launched by musician Paul McCartney and his daughters Stella and Mary, aims to cut meat intakes in diets to reduce the environmental impact of farming and fishing.

David Johnston, the council’s commercial strategic manager, said the meals now on offer on Mondays had previously proven popular with pupils.

Animal Rebellion, an environmental and animal rights campaign group, has welcomed the council’s move.

Jane Tredgett, of the campaign group, said eating less meat would improve pupils’ health and help stave off chronic illnesses and diseases later in life.

Mr Johnston said the new policy also came as children’s tastes had changed.

The council officer 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 head teacher 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.”

Ms Tredgett said eating less meat and dairy products would help tackle climate change and reduce the risk of future pandemics like coronavirus.

The activist said: “We are living in very difficult times but the good news is there is one single thing we can all do to help solve the climate crisis and prevent future pandemics- move away from eating meat and dairy products.

“The biggest impact each of us has on the climate is through our diets. Animal agriculture accounts for at least 15 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions globally. That’s more than from the whole of transport, including aviation.

“Pandemics happen because humans kill and eat animals, and factory farming is the perfect breeding ground for the viruses that lead to epidemics.

“What’s more, moving towards a plant-based diet is good for our health and can prevent and even reverse other serious diseases and chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes and a range of cancers. Who wouldn’t want this kind of diet for our children?”