School refuses to serve meat to pupils and bans packed lunches

The Swan School in Summertown, Oxford, has been criticised by one parent who said her daughter was ‘left hungry’ after her first days.

Options on the menu include lentil lasagne, minted pea and feta frittata and Quorn sausage and potato bake.

There are a few meat and fish options available for snacks at break time, but during lunch the canteen is strictly vegetarian.

The mother who complained said: ‘I’ve heard that a lot of children were very hungry as well – there should be option at dinner time [to] eat meat. I’ve never known a school to be like this.’

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‘Firstly, it allows us to serve better quality meals for the same money. Secondly, there are huge environmental and sustainability benefits.

‘Most importantly, it allows students of all faiths and different dietary requirements to eat together.’

She also stressed the decision to provide vegetarian meals isn’t a judgement of those who do eat meat.

Ms Wood added: ‘Packed lunches are not banned because the students might bring in meat – we don’t allow them because we want all the children and staff to eat together and engage at lunchtime.

‘Everyone is working really hard to make sure the food is delicious and nutritious.

‘It goes without saying that we are committed to making sure students are not hungry – we offer free breakfast every day for all students.’

Pupils can get free porridge in the morning and can buy healthy snacks at break time, but they are not allowed to bring in any other food.

Opposing academic research has been published recently about the health impact of vegan and vegetarian diets.

However, prominent environmental campaigners and even celebrity chef Jamie Oliver have praised schools for shunning meat.

Speaking last week about his new show, Meat-Free Meals, Mr Oliver said: ‘The idea of schools going veggie is a brilliant idea – it would save loads of money.’