Queens Elementary School Adopts All-Vegetarian Menu

[Pink Ranger]

If I go to Publix (a local supermarket) and want fresh strawberries Ill pay like $4.50-$5 for about 10 strawberries. I think fruits are very expensive here. I've never compared them to other countries but I always had a feeling they were priced high.

But strawberries are usually expensive when you live outside of California. Same with things like bell peppers, green beans, etc.

But basic fruits and vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions, apples, oranges, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, cauliflower, zucchini) shouldn't be that expensive from region to region.

 

[chamber-music]

If I go to Publix (a local supermarket) and want fresh strawberries Ill pay like $4.50-$5 for about 10 strawberries. I think fruits are very expensive here. I've never compared them to other countries but I always had a feeling they were priced high.

Wow Strawberries are cheap over here (probably because they are a fruit we can grow domestically) but even out of season they don't cost that much.

Why is the produce so highly priced?
Is there a lack of competitiveness in the market?

In Europe we have farming subsides to reduce price distortion and I know in the U.S farms get government subsides as well. Tons of fruit and vegetables sold in the UK are non-domestic.

Most European governments try to promote healthy eating are on the supermarkets ass to provide affordable fruit and vegetables.

 

[Pink Ranger]

Wow Strawberries are cheap over here (probably because they are a fruit we can grow domestically) but even out of season they don't cost that much.

Why is the produce so highly priced?
Is there a lack of competitiveness in the market?

In Europe we have farming subsides to reduce price distortion and I know in the U.S farms get government subsides as well. Tons of fruit and vegetables sold in the UK are non-domestic.

Most European governments try to promote healthy eating are on the supermarkets ass to provide affordable fruit and vegetables.

The distance in supply chain is a big factor. That's an issue in Canada as well, which is why if I want strawberries 10 months out of the year, I'm paying what Nick is paying pretty much.

Keep in mind the distance between Spain and England is considerably shorter than, say, the distance between California and Chicago.

That stated, the prices for staple vegetables are not that high. Strawberries are a luxury.

 

[terry78]

There are too many delicious animals out there frolicking around for this to become commonplace.

 

[NickNitro]

I live in FL and I feel like Oranges are still expensive.

 

[Spider-Who?]

Actually I don't associate my self with PETA.

And yet you seem to repeat everything they love to scream about dietary choices.

Maybe I overreacted in that particular subject. I will check the links soon.

I wouldn't call that overreaction. I would call that arguing while being utterly misinformed on the subject.

But in a quick notice their way of life needs a higher level of fat for sure to survive the cold conditions

So you admit that a vegetarian diet is not as healthy and perfect as you previously claimed? If your claim were true, then people in colder climates could sustain themselves perfectly on a meatless diet.

hence the many cases of clogged arteries in the western world.

Clogged arteries are not the fault of meat itself. It is the fault of how meals are prepared. Even vegetables, when made into an unhealthy meal, become causes of an unhealthy body.

It's all about being smart and moderation. Both meat and fruits/vegetables are healthy for you, so long as you are mindful of how you prepare it and the amount in which you consume it. Over-consumption/ignorance of dietary quality is what causes health problems, no matter if you're a carnivore, omnivore or herbivore. End of story.

Of course I don't believe all vegetables are organically grown or without pesticides.

Most are not.

But it is easier and cheaper to grow in every home your own vegetables.

Many - most, in fact, are unable to grow their own food due to their location and housing. And even those that can, it takes a surprisingly large amount of money, time, and effort to grow enough crops to support themselves and their families all year, especially if they were to consume only fruits and vegetables as you demand people should.

I am not the kind of person that would force anything to anyone.

You may not force your will on people personally, but you surely are content with others imposing a notion you agree with. There is very little difference between the two.


All this being said, I agree that schools should aim for quality meals (they've been doing so for quite a while); and no, one vegan meal a day isn't going to hurt anyone. What I have a problem with is the lack of choice - being forced into anything without consent is wrong.

 

[chamber-music]

The distance in supply chain is a big factor. That's an issue in Canada as well, which is why if I want strawberries 10 months out of the year, I'm paying what Nick is paying pretty much.

Keep in mind the distance between Spain and England is considerably shorter than, say, the distance between California and Chicago.

That stated, the prices for staple vegetables are not that high. Strawberries are a luxury.

Many fruit and vegetable that aren't even from Europe are cheap. Kiwi fruits from New Zealand are cheap. You can buy cheap food like Melons and Pineapples in the UK and find they are from South America or South Africa.

Buying British domestic products is more expensive than the imported stuff.

 

[Teelie]

I just have to add this and I'm done: I've spent most of this spring doing various gardening work (digging/retilling the ground for crops, digging post holes, planting crops, mixing the right fertilizer and minerals into the soil etc) and it's utterly laughable to claim you can easily just grow your own crops and not have to import or go to the store and buy them.

This is growing tomatoes, squash, zuccini, beans (string and green), edible flowers, cabbage, onions, peppers, various herbs, blueberries, raspberries, pears, pomegranates, figs, eggplants, even a coffee tree. Many of these larger plants (particularly trees, the pomegranates still haven't produced yet, nor has the lemon tree) can take years to produce fruit and then only a marginal amount of it without a full-sized field of it.

What we grow, the time it takes to ready, and the amount we get (all organic btw) takes immense time, effort and planning to do and that's without me working a full time 9-5 job five days a week to keep me from being able to do this in the first place. And we still only have enough for maybe a salad or two every week from it. This isn't feasible to most of the population, and it isn't enough for us to live off either.

Until you actually are growing enough food to be self-sufficient, don't claim it's easy. Working full time, with children, and all the kinds of daily life hassles most people have, I wouldn't expect them to just find the time, the place and energy to go building a sustainable garden in their nonexistant spare time.

 

[NickNitro]

Many fruit and vegetable that aren't even from Europe are cheap. Kiwi fruits from New Zealand are cheap. You can buy cheap food like Melons and Pineapples in the UK and find they are from South America or South Africa.

Buying British domestic products is more expensive than the imported stuff.

Honestly I don't understand how this makes any kind of sense.

 

[Alex_Spider]

And yet you seem to repeat everything they love to scream about dietary choices.

Um, just because PETA is acting like a dick and committing shameful acts, that doesn't mean I wont be vocal and clear for what I advocate. In general I am not fond of official organizations that are more concerned how to pull publicity stunts and brab money from people like the likes of PETA do.

I wouldn't call that overreaction. I would call that arguing while being utterly misinformed on the subject.

Well we can't be informed of all the things that exist. And I am not ashamed admitting I wasn't aware of that article.

So you admit that a vegetarian diet is not as healthy and perfect as you previously claimed? If your claim were true, then people in colder climates could sustain themselves perfectly on a meatless diet.



Clogged arteries are not the fault of meat itself. It is the fault of how meals are prepared. Even vegetables, when made into an unhealthy meal, become causes of an unhealthy body.

It's all about being smart and moderation. Both meat and fruits/vegetables are healthy for you, so long as you are mindful of how you prepare it and the amount in which you consume it. Over-consumption/ignorance of dietary quality is what causes health problems, no matter if you're a carnivore, omnivore or herbivore. End of story.



Most are not.

I meant that meat has too much protein and fat for us who live in normal environments to be of any good. Too much protein harms us. That's a fact and you can't say I can measure how much protein I eat from an animal. It is practically impossible. So it is better to stay away for better or worse.

Many - most, in fact, are unable to grow their own food due to their location and housing. And even those that can, it takes a surprisingly large amount of money, time, and effort to grow enough crops to support themselves and their families all year, especially if they were to consume only fruits and vegetables as you demand people should.

Yeah it is difficult in some occasions but that is a political and economic issue not the vegetables themselves. If we designed society and housing structures in a way that they enable easy plant growing through recycle means all into one system, then it would be easier like powering your pc and surf the net.

You may not force your will on people personally, but you surely are content with others imposing a notion you agree with. There is very little difference between the two.

When did I insulted anyone or treated him in a hostile way? I am just responding posing my view of things.

All this being said, I agree that schools should aim for quality meals (they've been doing so for quite a while); and no, one vegan meal a day isn't going to hurt anyone. What I have a problem with is the lack of choice - being forced into anything without consent is wrong.

They have plenty of choices out of school to eat whatever they want. It's not like they forced them not to eat meat for the rest of their lives.

 

[the_ultimate_evil]

here's an idea. you eat meat thats great, you're a Vegetarian hey thats great, you're a vegan thats great too

but here's the kicker you do what you feel is right for you and dont dare try and force your view point as the one and only right choice

seriously how is this that hard a concept

the school may feel its doing the right thing but by forcing the students to have no choice its a minefield.

 

[Alex_Spider]

]I just have to add this and I'm done: I've spent most of this spring doing various gardening work (digging/retilling the ground for crops, digging post holes, planting crops, mixing the right fertilizer and minerals into the soil etc) and it's utterly laughable to claim you can easily just grow your own crops and not have to import or go to the store and buy them.[/B]

This is growing tomatoes, squash, zuccini, beans (string and green), edible flowers, cabbage, onions, peppers, various herbs, blueberries, raspberries, pears, pomegranates, figs, eggplants, even a coffee tree. Many of these larger plants (particularly trees, the pomegranates still haven't produced yet, nor has the lemon tree) can take years to produce fruit and then only a marginal amount of it without a full-sized field of it.

lol you have a point. But if we want to expand this discussion I could mention the large Vertical Farming Systems that are designed to operate in major cities fully automated with recyclable means of taking care the waste. Just google it. It would be amazing for people to enter and just take whatever they need for the week.

]What we grow, the time it takes to ready, and the amount we get (all organic btw) takes immense time, effort and planning to do and that's without me working a full time 9-5 job five days a week to keep me from being able to do this in the first place. And we still only have enough for maybe a salad or two every week from it. This isn't feasible to most of the population, and it isn't enough for us to live off either.

Until you actually are growing enough food to be self-sufficient, don't claim it's easy. Working full time, with children, and all the kinds of daily life hassles most people have, I wouldn't expect them to just find the time, the place and energy to go building a sustainable garden in their nonexistant spare time.

This is true but like I mentioned it is a matter of a false political and social structuring. We can't do any good in a self centered system that is based on keeping us in debt and financially slaves. There needs to be a redesign in our civilization in whole instead of limiting our views into meat eaters vs vegans.

 

[NickNitro]

here's an idea. you eat meat thats great, you're a Vegetarian hey thats great, you're a vegan thats great too

but here's the kicker you do what you feel is right for you and dont dare try and force your view point as the one and only right choice

seriously how is this that hard a concept

the school may feel its doing the right thing but by forcing the students to have no choice its a minefield.

That applies to religion....politics....you name it....good luck convincing society to not try and push their views on others....

 

[Vid Electricz]

here's an idea. you eat meat thats great, you're a Vegetarian hey thats great, you're a vegan thats great too

but here's the kicker you do what you feel is right for you and dont dare try and force your view point as the one and only right choice

seriously how is this that hard a concept

the school may feel its doing the right thing but by forcing the students to have no choice its a minefield.

Aren't school lunches optional? Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the child have the choice of bringing a sack lunch from home? That would be the ideal "doing what you feel is right for you". Isn't it?

If offering, not forcing (they still have the sack lunch option) children healthier options for one meal a day is such a terrible thing, then how awful is it that prior to this, the children had no options as far as the unhealthy school lunches. Maybe some black beans or a salad one time a day (which again, is an option) will help the children understand that healthy options are available when it comes to food. I think it's commendable that this school is making the EFFORT to offer options that are not fried chicken fingers or burgers (which they most likely get enough of outside of school anyway).

So many acting like this is Nazi Germany here. Like these evil school officials are forcing these poor defenseless children to eat only granola and vegetables. "You'll never pry my steak from my cold, dead fingers!" WTF?

 

[the_ultimate_evil]

That applies to religion....politics....you name it....good luck convincing society to not try and push their views on others....

i know i know, this is just a button pusher with me


growing up i didn't eat a lot of fruit(truthfully i couldn't eat it, the taste made me sick) and though i didn't eat a lot of vegetables i did eat enough to keep me health though i was given a course of ensure drinks when i was young

but yet because i ate a lot of meat i remember having real arguments and nasty nasty debates with people in school and college because i was a neanderthal who only wanted to hunt and kill cute baby chicks and cows


this is the one of reason i have a really hatred for self righteous asshats

 

[the_ultimate_evil]

Aren't school lunches optional? Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the child have the choice of bringing a sack lunch from home? That would be the ideal "doing what you feel if right for you".

If offering, not forcing (they still have the sack lunch option) children healthier options for one meal a day is such a terrible thing in, then how awful is it that prior to this, the children had no options as far as the unhealthy school lunches. Maybe some black beans or a salad one time a day (which again, is an option) will help the children understand that healthy options are available when it comes to food. I think it's commendable that this school is making the EFFORT to offer options that are not fried chicken fingers or burgers (which they most likely get enough of outside of school anyway).

So many acting like this is Nazi Germany here. Like these evil school officials are forcing these poor defenseless children to eat only granola and vegetables. "You'll never pry my steak from my cold, dead fingers!" WTF?

all depends on the school in question. does it say on the article is this is a choice

i dont know the ins and outs of American schools at that age group but a lot of British schools my old primary school included had a mandatory in school lunch or packed lunch policy for certain age groups.

 

[Victarion]

Jakes on Queens; we were having all-veg meals before it was edgy. Pizza and fries every Friday. Vegetarian Fridays. I'd prefer the kids get good food in sensible portions, with a choice between beef, chicken, or tuna fish. Prep is important; make the chicken all lean chickenbreast. Same for the tuna and beef. Good veggies to complement the menu are sweet potatoes, portabellos, lettuce, spinach, broccoli, tomatos.

 

[Vid Electricz]

Jakes on Queens; we were having all-veg meals before it was edgy. Pizza and fries every Friday. Vegetarian Fridays. I'd prefer the kids get good food in sensible portions, with a choice between beef, chicken, or tuna fish. Prep is important; make the chicken all lean chickenbreast. Same for the tuna and beef. Good veggies to complement the menu are sweet potatoes, portabellos, lettuce, spinach, broccoli, tomatos.

Very rarely will you see nice options like those listed above at a public school. These options are EXPENSIVE and most schools just don't seem to think that offering them is all that important in relation to the vast spectrum of other things that call for their $$$.

 

[The Apocalypse]

My thoughts and prayers are with the kids of this school.

 

[Vid Electricz]

My thoughts and prayers are with the kids of this school.

I pray for them as well. No generation before them has had it this rough.

 

[GENERAL RAAM582]

I think my school is vegetarian too because the meat they are cooking sure as hell isn't real.

 

[terry78]

I think my school is vegetarian too because the meat they are cooking sure as hell isn't real.

Haha, I was gonna say the same thing. At most schools, are they even really serving actual meat? Oh, how we craved pizza day back then, even though these brats nowadays got a menu of options available during the week.

 

[dark_b]

I meant that meat has too much protein and fat for us who live in normal environments to be of any good. Too much protein harms us. That's a fact and you can't say I can measure how much protein I eat from an animal. It is practically impossible. So it is better to stay away for better or worse.

we dont eat enough protein. not talking about meat but protein.and of course you can know how much protein you will eat every day. sciency is able to meassure how much protein,carb and fat food has.

to much protein is a myth because people think that to much modern fat high cars meals ( with meat) is the same as to much meat. the reason you can not eat to much protein is because you physically can not eat the amount of food that has to much protein.

 

[Mrs. Sawyer]

I hope this doesn't become common. Some people need to stop acting like meat is evil and unhealthy when in face some meats are pretty healthy to eat.

 

[GENERAL RAAM582]

Haha, I was gonna say the same thing. At most schools, are they even really serving actual meat? Oh, how we craved pizza day back then, even though these brats nowadays got a menu of options available during the week.

A menu? I don't get a bloody menu. It's one thing everyday. You want something else it's PB&J.