NYC Mayor and Area Schools Sign On for Meatless Mondays

The Big Apple is embracing the power of plants. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and 15 schools across the borough of Brooklyn have officially signed on for Meatless Monday!

Participating schools will have healthy, all-veg breakfast and lunch menus for students every Monday. Joining the schools’ efforts, the Mayor, First Lady Chirlane McCray and Gracie Mansion will also go meatless for all Monday meals.

“Cutting back a little on meat will help make our City healthier and our planet stronger for generations to come,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Chirlane and I are excited to participate in Meatless Mondays at home, and we thank Borough President Adams for leading the charge behind this healthy and sustainable initiative.”

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams was a big part of the push for veg options, as he’s seen the benefits of a plant-based diet firsthand in his fight against Type 2 diabetes. “I am living proof of the power of a plant-based diet to transform one’s health,” he told the press. “I believe that Meatless Mondays is an extremely significant initiative that has the power to transform the health of thousands of our city’s students, as well as open the door to a powerful conversation that children can have with families on nutrition and wellness.”

In 2015, less than 20% of NYC children aged 6-12 ate five or more fruits and vegetables a day. NYC officials acknowledged that eating fruits and veggies can reduce the risk for heart disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity — and save precious planetary resources. Meal options for kids at participating schools include spinach wraps, vegetarian chili, roasted chickpea tagine, and crispy tofu.

Previously, Compassion Over Killing worked with activist Jane Velez Mitchell and NYC Council Member Helen Rosenthal to introduce a Meatless Monday Resolution before the New York City Council.

Continuing to work with COK, Jane is now helping to get Starbucks to roll out more vegan foods nationwide. Now, Mitchell is working with COK to encourage Starbucks to roll out more vegan food options nationwide. The campaign recently saw a major success as Starbucks rolled out its first-ever vegan dessert!