Providing nutritions vegetarian options for school lunches

[Guest guest]

No, but our endorsements ALL seem to be inside the USA. Is SERV not a planetary

group? www.SERV-Online.org

 

RSchw12345 wrote:Dear members of SERV,

 

Are there any objections to my indicating that SERV endorses the initiative

below to get nutritions vegetarian options into lunches at New York State

schools?

 

Thanks,

 

Richard

 

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In a message dated 11/11/03 3:26:39 PM, compassion writes:

 

>

>

>Hi,

>

>

>

>I'm working with Susan Weiland of CHOICE (Consumers for Healthy Options

>in Children's Education). On behalf of the Ful-Mont Veg Group, Inc. (a

>vegan information/outreach organization in upstate New York) and CHOICE,

>I'd like to request your support in endorsing efforts to convince New York

>State legislators, educators and food service providers that plant-based

>foods should be part of the school lunch menu. Hawaii and California have

>already gotten on board with this program: the Resolution passed unanimously

>in Hawaii and the Legislative Initiative passed overwhelmingly in California,

>encouraging School Food Services to develop plant-based alternative lunches.

>

>

>

>We could really use your help as an advisor, to endorse the effort, possibly

>offer testimony in Albany, get the word out to activists through your

newsletters/e-mails,

>etc., and most importantly by providing additional contacts for us to pursue.

>Following is some background for your consideration:

>

>

>

>You may already know that CHOICE is a coalition of parents, health

professionals,

>environmentalists, and religious leaders working to bring daily plant-based

>lunch alternatives to school cafeterias. With childhood obesity a national

>concern, health and nutrition are fast becoming major focus areas. The

>time has come for positive change that reflects current nutrition science,

>which calls for an increase in disease-fighting plant foods. We would like

>to make Choice for Healthy Options In Children's Education for all kids

>a reality.

>

>

>

>Countless studies show that the vast majority of children are not getting

>their recommended servings of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.

>With headlines about childhood obesity and diabetes, our plan to make

available

>low-fat vegetarian lunches is a sound and sensible approach to this growing

>problem. All children's health and their precious planet will benefit

tremendously

>from the opportunity to choose such lunches.

>

>

>

>A large student population who qualify and are receiving free or reduced

>lunches through the National School Lunch Program re the very children

>who are considered " at risk " for developing diet-related diseases such

>as obesity, cancer, heart disease and diabetes - diseases of epidemic

proportion

>in what has been dubbed our " Fast Food Nation. " Public schools have a

responsibility

>to teach and aid families in healthier eating habits. They also have a

>moral obligation to include minority families who abstain from eating

meat/dairy

>for health or religious reasons and who are otherwise excluded.

>

>

>

>For these reasons and so many more, we ask you to join us in this effort

>and you're your support and endorsement. I will call you in the next few

>days to find out whether you are interested in assisting. Please feel free

>to contact me by phone or e-mail to indicate your willingness to help.

>

>

>

>Once we know we can add you to our list of supporters, we will contact

>State Legislators and let them know that support is growing. As soon as

>we have a Bill, Legislative Initiative or Resolution encouraging School

>Food Services to develop plant-based alternative lunches, we will contact

>you with the necessary identifying information for you to use in a letter

>of support.

>

>

>

>Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to talking with you.

>

>Respectfully,

>Rosemary Benedict, Coordinator

>Ful-Mont Veg Group, Inc.

>CHOICE for New York State

>P.O. Box 1245, Gloversville, NY 12078

>(518) 762-6364

>compassion