New York City public schools observed their first Vegan Friday, doubling the number of meatless days in cafeterias under the stewardship of vegan New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Adams said there would be no more pizza, mozzarella sticks, or macaroni and cheese served on Fridays, complementing the existing Meatless Mondays, which also restrict what students can eat for one day each week to promote vegetarian alternatives.
“Plant-based options in schools means healthy eating and healthy living and improving the quality of life for thousands of New York City students,” Adams said, according to ABC7. “Plant-based meals are delicious and nutritious, which is why I previously called for vegetarian and vegan options in schools. I’m thrilled to see that all students will now have access to healthy foods that will prevent debilitating health conditions.”
COVID-19 SCHOOL CLOSURES LED TO BOOM OF SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL CHOICE
Other food items, including meat options, will still be given upon request, and milk is available to comply with federal guidelines. Vegan options — such as hummus, pretzels, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches — are still offered daily for vegan and vegetarian students.
Union leaders for DC37, a union representing 9,000 school cafeteria workers, said they support Vegan Fridays but encourage nutritional education to go along with the food.
“If a student learns, you know, eating carrots is good for my eyes, more students may eat carrots, right?” Donald Nesbit, the executive vice president for DC37’s branch Local 372, told the outlet.
The city’s Department of Education said the new policy promotes healthy living and nutritious eating in public schools. Department of Education Associate press secretary Jenna Lyle said all food has been taste-tested and approved by groups of students.
“The DOE is committed to the health and well-being of every child, and having a consistent, nourishing, and filling meal each day is essential in ensuring students can succeed both inside and outside the classroom,” Lyle said. “Following on the success of Meatless Monday and Fridays, we are excited to be expanding access to healthy and nutritious food options for NYC students with the phasing in of a vegan-focused menu on Fridays.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Other political figures have supported similar measures in the past. Former first lady Michelle Obama championed healthy school lunches via the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which required public schools on the National School Lunch Program to provide more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. However, the policy has seen changes that reduced its potency since its 2012 passage.
Representatives for Adams, the Department of Education, and DC37 did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s requests for comment.
