An online petition calling for vegan food schools, prisons, and hospitals is gaining support.
The petition, which was started by Judith Ward, says: “Over five per cent of the population is vegan and growing. A vegan diet is healthier, it conserves resources and protects the planet, and above all it’s cruelty-free.
“The United Nations has called upon us to consume more plant-based foods, [and] animal products are linked to an increase in cancer and heart disease.”
Jimmy Pierson, The Vegan Society spokesman, told Metro.co.uk: “There absolutely ought to be vegan options in every single school, hospital and prison in the UK. It’s an area in which we’re actively campaigning. Veganism is a protected belief under equality and human rights laws in the UK. This means that vegans cannot be treated less favourably than non-vegans, and that a reasonable effort must be made by institutions like schools and other public bodies so as to avoid discrimination.
“It’s an area in which we’re actively campaigning. Veganism is a protected belief under equality and human rights laws in the UK. This means that vegans cannot be treated less favourably than non-vegans, and that a reasonable effort must be made by institutions like schools and other public bodies so as to avoid discrimination.”
A Department for Education spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: “We believe that head teachers, school governors and caterers are best placed to make decisions about their school food policies, taking into account local circumstances and the needs of their pupils. In doing so, we expect schools to make reasonable adjustments for pupils with particular requirements.
“School food policies work best when schools discuss them with parents and pupils, so that parents have the opportunity to raise pupils’ specific dietary needs.”