CHENNAI: Many schools serve
vegetarian food to students, but a school in Chennai won award for introducing an eco-friendly plant-based menu for its students. The
German International School won a Compassionate School Award from People for the
Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in recognition of its decision to start serving only meat-egg-dairy free meals to its students, said a release from PETA.
Melanie Rolf, principal of the school, explained in the school newsletter how the new menu reflects the school's commitment to environmentalism.
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Raising animals for food is the single greatest human-caused source of destruction to our environment," she said. Rolf also shared how the school's plant-based snacks and lunches – which are packed with nutritious proteins, such as quinoa, lentils, and beans – provide children with all the vitamins and other nutrients they require.
"As more and more families across India go vegan, German International School is the very first school to switch to meat-egg- and dairy-free student dining," said Manilal Valliyate, CEO of PETA. "PETA is recognising this institution for setting the perfect example for teaching students healthy eating habits that also protect animals and the environment," he added.