I want to bring vegetarian lunches, (besides a peanut butter and jelly) to CUSD schools. Vegetarian and diets are growing exponentially! "The appeal and potential for vegan and vegetarian products is expanding beyond the small group of people who avoid animal products for ethical reasons to include the much larger base of consumers seeking healthier, cleaner foods, according to an industry expert" (Food Navigator). Vegetarian lunches highlight the benefits of adding more fruits and vegetables to our diets and encourages students to learn about healthy food alternatives. According to the The Raw Food World, "To think that 16 million people in this country eat absolutely no animal products is pretty amazing, considering the degree to which meat has an impact on most of our culture. All those who are vegetarian, 52% say they have been eating vegetarian for less than 10 years. This could be an indicator of the way the country has become more knowledgeable about our food supply over the last five years." Clovis District is prideful in providing equal opportunities to ALL students, so this leads on to question why Vegetarian options at lunch are discriminated against. Vegetarian diets will appeal to the Body and Spirit portion of CUSD's Mission to be “Best in mind, body and spirit”(CUSD Handbook Pg. 5). "CLOVIS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT - OUR MISSION To be a quality educational system providing the resources for all students to reach their potential in mind, body, and spirit. CLOVIS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT - OUR MISSION. Maximize Achievement For ALL Students" (Page 3 of CUSD Handbook). "Educating the whole child in Mind, Body, and Spirit and a Fair break for every kid" (Page 4 of CUSD Handbook). There is no better place to educate our children about health and nutrition than in our nation’s schools! So why are Vegetarian options at lunch are discriminated against? The basic right to food for many students is taken away because there is not a lunch option that fits their diet or lifestyle. Whether the student is vegetarian because of ethical views, health issues, religion, ethnicity, or any other reason, they should be provided a lunch that fits their needs. Not to mention, the only Vegetarian option offered, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, could cause life-threatening allergic reactions to large fractions of our student body. In the United States, there’s no question that consumers are getting it. Trends show that overall, Americans are eating less meat, and trying to eat healthier. That is good news for the animals, the environment and our health! The small changes we make every day can have a tremendous impact. That’s why this resolution is important. Together we can better our health, the animals and the environment, one plate at a time. So lets get CLOVIS ON THE MAP! Clovis Unified School District, join the vegetarian lunch campaign, and help provide vegetarian meals to all of your students everyday!