As a group of friends who have chosen to follow a vegetarian lifestyle, we often find ourselves without suitable options during our school lunch periods. We are not alone in this struggle. There are many students within the Olathe, KS school district who adhere to vegan or vegetarian diets for various reasons - health, environmental concerns, ethical beliefs.

Despite the increasing popularity of plant-based diets among young people nationwide - with 2% of U.S. children aged 8-18 years identifying as vegetarians according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics - our schools' lunch menus remain largely unchanged and unaccommodating.

We believe that every student should have access to nutritious meals that align with their dietary choices and needs. Not only would this promote inclusivity and respect for individual choices within our schools, but it could also encourage healthier eating habits among all students.

We call upon the Olathe School District to recognize this need for change by implementing vegan and vegetarian options into school lunch menus across all grades. This is not just about us; it's about fostering an environment where everyone's dietary needs are recognized and respected.

Please sign this petition if you support more diverse food options in our schools.