Following on from discussions about the lack of provision for
vegetarians/vegans in Redditch schools at last nights meeting, Karen has
written the following draft letter. Does everyone think this is ok??

Kevin

Dear Ms Smith

PROVISION OF SCHOOL MEALS

We are members of the newly formed Redditch Vegetarians and Vegans Group,
and we would ask for clarification on the present and future availability
of vegetarian/ vegan meals in Redditch Schools.

We note, according the DFE website that you have responsibility for
School
meals / healthy schools and equality issues including race and ethnic
minorities in education. Ruth Kelly recently made a statement that this
government would make changes to the provision of school meals to ensure
that healthy options are to be made available to all students. Whislt the
DFE website provides strict guidance as to what food should not be given
to people of different faiths, the only information to school caterers
for
vegetarians is as follows:

" Vegetarians * Many people are vegetarian. You should make every effort
to offer a variety of vegetarian options".

This statement indicated that there is no compulsion on schools to
provide
any vegetarian or does not even mention provision of vegan food.

We are aware, of at least one pupil within Redditch, who is not given any
choice of meal. The only food made available is pizza and chips, five
days
a week. Whilst we understand that salad pots are put out for other
students, the fact that this pupil allegedly " benfits" from the
provision
of free school meals, means that salads for some unknown reason are not
offered as an option. We understand that vegan food is never made
available. Protestations to the head teacher have not resolved this
unsatisfactory position, and there is no formal grievance procedure
provided to allow further action. There may be more schools within this
area that do not cater for vegetarians/vegans * does the DFE monitor the
provision of meals?

We are sure that the government has not intentionally overlooked
vegetarians but unless something is done to address the situation now,
the
provisoin of foods to certain groups of young people will go unresolved.

We ask for your assistance on this matter and ask that stronger guidance
is given to schools as we believe that we as a major and growing group of
people have somehow been missed out of the future plan for schools.

-----------------------------------------------------
Redditch Vegetarians & Vegans
PO Box 10202, Redditch, Worcs B98 8YT
Tel: 07905 739611
Email: reddiveggie@...
Website: www.redditchveggies.makessense.co.uk

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