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NYC Public Schools Kick Off 'Vegan Fridays'

Specialty Food Association

Vegan Fridays begin today at all public schools in New York City, marking a dramatic, health-oriented shift in what's offered on cafeteria menus, reports Gothamist. The inaugural menu will include veggie tacos, broccoli, and carrot and lemon salad. (Cheese sandwiches will be available as a backup.)

Inspired by New York City's new mayor, Eric Adams, a vocal vegan, the shift makes good on a campaign promise to offer school meals, which are free to the 930,000 students, healthier. “Plant-based options in schools means healthy eating and healthy living, and improving the quality of life for thousands of New York City students,” he said in a statement. 

“The earlier in life that we can establish healthful eating habits, the better,” Eugenia Gianos, director of cardiovascular prevention for Northwell Health and director of women's heart health at Lenox Hill Hospital told Gothamist.

Next Friday's menu will feature Mediterranean chickpeas, served with rice or pasta, roasted cauliflower and broccoli, and spinach and cranberry salad. Full Story

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