More meat-free meals in schools in Northern Ireland

The Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation (VVF) has recently published a new guide, White Meat Myths which investigates the links between the consumption of white meat (chicken, turkey, ducks and geese) and health.

Our research has found links between white meat consumption and a diverse range of health problems and diseases - including obesity, diabetes and certain cancers.

It is not compulsory for school children to be offered meat, as long as alternative food sources of protein are on the menu. For nursery and primary school children, one item from this food group must be offered each day, rising to two items a day for those at secondary school.

Alternative protein sources include soya products (eg tofu, veggie mince), pulses (eg baked beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils), nuts and seeds. Bean burritos, Spaghetti Bolognese made with veggie mince, spicy beanburgers, and vegetable soup with added lentils all go down well with children. Diets based around these foods are much lower in harmful cholesterol, saturated fat and total fat, and higher in fibre.

The VVF therefore calls on LEAs in Northern Ireland to reduce or remove the amount of all meat – including white meat – from local school meals, and to consider alternative protein sources instead.