Vegetarian lunch box. Getty Image Bank
The city of Lyon in central France is in conflict with the government to exclude meat from school meals. The city claims that it is “measures to simplify the diet necessary to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19),” but the authorities said that the local government is trying to inject politics into food as a hostage for the health rights of young students.
According to local media on the 21st (local time), the Mayor of Lyon Gregory Dusse recently decided to remove meat from the lunch menu of elementary, middle and high schools. ‘Meat-free meals’ is also a pledge made by the mayor of the Green Party during the local election last year. The city plans to continue with the new diet until April. Mayor Doose said, “At the time of the corona19 pandemic last year, the conservative former mayor took the same action,” and said, “You can balance nutrition with fish and eggs.” Nutritionists also advise that if a diet is prepared to contain enough protein, iron, and minerals, children can also eat a healthy and safe vegetarian diet.
However, the French government is very angry with Lyon’s decision. It is not because of the health of the children, but because the green party, a pro-environmental party, is trying to coat the school diet with the color of the party using Corona 19. Agriculture Minister Julien De Normandie criticized “Don’t put ideology into the dining table,” and said, “You have to give children what they need to grow up well.” Meat is one of them.” Interior Minister Gerald Dharmanin also criticized “an unacceptable insult to French farmers and slaughterers.” “The Green Party’s moralist and elite policy excludes the public. “Many children must come to school to eat meat.”
Lyon is a world-class’Gourmet City’. The meat and guts are especially famous. However, in recent years, movements to reduce meat intake for reasons of animal protection, environment, and religion have been spreading. In fact, sales of meat-free products are on the rise, and a vegetarian restaurant in Lyon has also received a’Michelin Star’, which is the standard for food. In 2018, the French government revised the Food Act, obligating public schools nationwide to provide vegetarian meals one day a week.
Kim Pyo-hyang reporter [email protected]
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