With childhood obesity and related early onset diabetes rising dramatically, health and nutrition for our youth have become an area of national concern. The time has come for positive change based on solid nutritional science, which calls for a dietary increase of plant based foods. The meals that are offered in our schools are the perfect opportunity to set an example for healthy eating for our children.

In part, through the efforts of our sister organization, Animal Welfare Advocacy, the New York State Legislature unanimously passed a resolution in the spring of 2004 which requests that local school districts provide daily vegetarian (vegan) meal options to their students. In addition, the resolution requests vending items be replaced with healthier choices, nutrition education to reinforce these healthier options, and farm-to-school programs (including organic where possible) to promote the consumption of local fresh produce from New York State. If adhered to, this would be a major step forward in addressing the totally inadequate menu currently being provided in school meal programs.

Animal Welfare Trust determined that an independent organization was needed to try and bring about the change in the school meal program suggested by the resolution. AWT is proud to be a founding sponsor of the New York Coalition for Healthy School Lunches (Coalition) which is dedicated to bringing about this transition to healthy meal choices and nutritional education throughout New York State. The Coalition completed a very successful year as an independent public tax exempt organization in 2005.

More details on the Coalition can be found at http://www.healthylunches.org..