Eating more plant-based meals can improve health, protect the environment, and save animals. Introducing a Vegan Friday program, where all meals served in public schools every Friday are plant-based, would "put us on the path to make our kids, communities, and planet healthier” - New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Small changes in diet can be a real force for positive change in the world, whether that change is improved health outcomes or the prevention of climate change.

A diet that lacks healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lead to serious health problems like hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. Adding plant-based meals to one's diet has been shown to support health, including putting one at lower risk of heart disease and diabetes. The introduction of plant-based meals in school will give children the opportunity to develop healthy habits to take with them for the rest of their lives.  

According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the animal agriculture industry makes up 14.5% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, which is greater than the entirety of transportation emissions worldwide. Additionally, the amount of land and water required to produce meat is far greater than that required to produce grains, fruits, and vegetables. This means that the city of Chicago can begin lowering its greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption footprint by implementing a Vegan Friday program. 

Chicago currently has a "plant-forward Thursdays" program in public schools, but most of these meals still include eggs and dairy. Adding a completely plant-based day in schools can further the beneficial effects of plant-forward Thursdays, start a conversation about the importance of nutrition, and give students a more comprehensive look at plant-based diets.

On top of an existing Meatless Mondays program, New York City has recently implemented Vegan Fridays across all 1,700 NYC public schools, offering completely plant-based lunches to students. So far, they have served veggie tacos, Mediterranean pasta, and black bean and plantain rice bowls for lunch. Implementing a similar program in Chicago would be a great step for the city to show its commitment to public health and the environment.