Councillors want stop to meat-free school option
BBCA councillor says he wants to ban schools from having the option of meat-free and climate days on their menus.
Councillor Leo Hammond, who serves on East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC), said he and fellow Conservative member councillor Jonathan Bibb were proposing to "bring this nonsense to an end".
Meat Free Monday is an international campaign that encourages people to not eat meat on Mondays to help their health and the environment.
A council spokesperson said each school chooses its own lunch menu and includes the option of introducing a climate day that supports the school's curriculum and ethos.
Hammond said the pair will be asking councillors to vote to create a local food strategy which will include compulsory procurement targets for the council to buy local food as much as possible.
At full council later, they are are also asking that school menus should offer meat options on every day.
Hammond said: "We should have menus at school which offer meat options five days a week and vegetarian options five days a week. It's up to parents, guardians and our young people to decide which option they want to choose.
"So, alongside councillor Jonathan Bibb, I am bringing a motion to full council to put this nonsense to an end and uphold the rights of parents and guardians and young people to decide what they eat."
Kris Metcalfe, 41, a parent from Market Weighton, is not against the idea of taking meat options away, providing there is a fun alternative.
He said: "The bigger picture is about children learning about healthy eating and a balanced diet, whether that's meat or whether that's vegetables.
"I think it's important if you take away the children's meat options it's replaced by interesting, fun, tasty alternatives."
Tess Emmerson, from Beverley, said: "In today's society you have a choice, you can be vegan, vegetarian, you can be whatever you want to be.
"But don't force things upon people without explaining the benefits of what it does for the planet.
"I think we all have to do our bit for climate change, it's effecting everything we're doing in daily life."
Parent Fiona Parker added: "I think children are more adaptable than adults in their behaviour and lifestyles, so maybe parents should have a meat free day as well."
In a statement, Meat Free Monday said: "The bottom line is we need to eat less meat and dairy for the sake of animals, people and planet.
"Having at least one plant-based day each week, such as a Meat Free Monday, is a great way for schools to reduce their carbon emissions and provide an integrated approach to global citizenship."
A council spokesperson added: "School menus are created by a team of school meal experts, who adhere to the School Food Standards, ensuring children eat a healthy, balanced diet."