All primary schools in Edinburgh have adopted the Meat Free Monday campaign, which was started by Paul, Mary and Stella McCartney. The campaign encourages people to reduce their meat intake and discover the alternative options available.
The campaign has been going strong since 2009; however Edinburgh is the first area in Scotland to officially participate in the campaign. Options on the menu on will include vegetable curries and Quorn dogs.
Counsellor Ian Perry, Children, Education and Families Convener said: “Encouraging healthy eating is extremely important so it’s fantastic that our primary pupils are being introduced to the benefits of eating less meat at a young age.
“By participating in Meat Free Monday schools are also raising awareness of the environmental impact of livestock production, as well as the poor standards in which some animals are farmed.”
Schools in England and Ireland have also signed up to the campaign, which is backed by Sir Richard Branson, Victoria Pendleton, Emma Thompson and Leona Lewis.
The number of schools participating in the campaign is encouraging more people to reduce their meat consumption, and educate children at a young age about where their food comes from in an informative and non-confrontational manner.