Public Schools Bid Farewell to Meat on Their Menus

Gabriella Tolve '23

New York City mayor Eric Adams announced his intention to reduce meat products from school cafeterias.

In April of 2023 New York City’s mayor voiced his concerns for both the climate and NYC budget with his new lunch plan. Adams proposed that schools be required to reduce meat options from their menus. Vegetarian options are said to be provided as alternatives for meat.

Though there has not yet been an announcement regarding how much reduction is needed, Adams sounds adamant on implementing this new plan.

Now how exactly does removing meat from schools benefit the environment? Many may not be aware of the effect food consumption has on the environment. The carbon emissions that result from food consumption threaten to give those from transportation a run for their money.

Statistics show that approximately twenty percent of New York City’s carbon footprint is accounted for by food. FDA’s George Larrick even compared a meal’s serving of protein (20 grams) to, “burning a gallon of gasoline.”

Money happens to be a large contribution to this decision as well. Between schools, hospitals, and penitentiaries, New York City alone spends $300M annually on food purchases. With the onset of this plan, Adams is attempting to cut down carbon emissions as well as the city’s excess spending.

By removing meat from school cafeterias, schools are now actively participating in aiding the city in reducing its expenses as well as its impact on the environment.

Although students will miss having meat-composed lunches offered to them, the vegetarian options will suffice. This might prove to be an easy transition given that public schools have long since halted the distribution of meat products on Mondays and Fridays.

It is wonderful to see political officials like Eric Adams take some steps in a direction towards healing our planet.