Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are the latest stars to urge Congress to pass the Healthy School Meals Act of 2010, which will see plant-based meals and non-dairy beverages a requirement in school lunchrooms.
“We know how much you care about children’s health,” they wrote in a letter to Congress. "That’s why we’re joining the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in urging you to support the Healthy School Meals Act, HR 4870.
“This bill would help schools add healthy plant-based vegetarian options in lunch lines. Two years ago, we switched to a plant-based diet out of concern for animals and the environment. Many children stop eating meat for the same reasons. Adding vegetarian options in schools would not only benefit these children — it would provide healthier options for all young people.
“Obesity, diabetes and other diet-related health problems are showing up in children at disturbingly high rates. One out of five teenagers already has abnormal cholesterol levels. Fighting this epidemic is one of the most urgent challenges we face — and healthy school lunches could play a vital role.”
The letter follows a similar letter from Woody Harrelson, as well as support from Scarlett Johansson and Michelle Obama.
“The Healthy School Meals Act is the easiest way to decrease children’s overall intake of saturated fat and cholesterol,” wrote Ellen and Portia. "It would simply provide a healthier option for children to try. Even if students choose a plant-based option just once or twice a week, they’ll be consuming significantly less fat and cholesterol – and that could make a huge difference to their health.
“Please include the Healthy School Meals Act language in revised child nutrition legislation. Children are depending on us.”
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