Writer suggests plant-based meals next on EP schools’ sustainability journey

Bravo to Eden Prairie public schools for winning the prestigious national Green Ribbon Schools award for environmental sustainability!  In our experience, the education in EP has been excellent and the teachers are phenomenal.  I feel so lucky that my kids are part of a school system that not only prepares the students academically but also does their part in minimizing pollution.  

I wonder what’s next for EP schools on their sustainability journey.  One idea is to provide more plant-based school meals.  Due to climate change and also for ethical reasons, our family decided to transition to eating predominantly plant-based food, about five years ago.  We don’t feel that we miss out on anything, except when it comes to school meals.  By providing plant-based food, schools would increase everyone’s food choices, often providing a healthier and more sustainable option.  

People choose to eat plant-based food for a whole array of reasons: ethical, religious, health, environmental.  Whatever the reason, I’m looking forward to a time, in the not too distant future, when children that don’t eat meat and dairy can eat a hot lunch with their school friends. 

Nicola Philpott, Eden Prairie