Words by Smiley Team
The climate crisis can feel overwhelming, but changing our everyday actions and habits can add up to a big difference.
Campaign group Feed our Future is starting with the food on school plates. They’re working with councils to encourage the switch from emission-heavy foods to plant-based ones that are better for children's health and the planet.
2019 was a landmark year, with nearly 70% of councils nationwide declaring a climate emergency, and many committed to reach net zero emissions years’ ahead of the government’s target of 2050.
But Feed our Future believes many councils are failing to address one of the highest emitters of greenhouse gases within their plans: the consumption of animal products.
It’s well known that animal agriculture has a huge impact on the climate, with studies estimating it accounts for between 14.5-18% of all global emissions, according to the UN. On top of that, it’s also responsible for around 90% of deforestation in the Amazon.
(Read more about this vegan cafe with a social purpose)
Population growth and better living standards across the world means meat and dairy consumption is only also set to rise.
“That’s where we come in," said a spokesperson from Feed Our Future.
"We’re a group of volunteers, within our local communities, working with councillors to commit to more plant-based meals. We’re working with councillors to act now and make tangible steps to meet climate targets to avoid the worst impacts of the climate and ecological crisis. We want to ensure the schools get served healthy and affordable plant-based meals two days a week.
“We will be assisting councils to make the transition to plant-based food procurement by supporting them in various ways: menu consultations, retraining of chefs and caterers, PR support, impact assessment and more.”
Research on school meals from the Science Direct Journal shows that a plant-based school meal has 75% lower greenhouse gas emissions and 75% lower water consumption.
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That means councils could lower their food procurement by 75% with some simple changes, which would help achieve net zero carbon emissions.
“We hope that, by planting the seeds of change in our local communities, we can encourage a meaningful difference for the future of the UK, our people and the planet," said Feed Our Future.
If you’re feeling inspired by the Feed Our Future campaign, and want to get involved in your local area, there are a few ways you can do it.
Get in touch with your local group, to see where they might need support, or even start a group in your local area. Head to feedourfuture.co.uk to find out more.
