The global vegan community is going gaga over Australia’s first 100% vegan preschool that is set to open later this year. The preschool will “provide delicious plant-based food and encourage playful learning in an environment surrounded by sustainable, conservationist practices.” It is definitely an encouraging move that would promote a vegan culture amongst our future generations.
But, are you aware that India too has a vegan school, which was awarded as a ‘Compassionate School’ by PETA India in January 2017 for incorporating compassion, empathy and healthy eating habits into the curriculum? Yes! Chennai-based German International Academy is India’s first and only plant-powered school, which made the switch in 2017. It serves 100% plant-based breakfast, lunches, and snacks in its premises as the school believes that “it no longer makes sense to serve meat. The only way to be a truly green – and compassionate – the community is to choose veganism.”
As per the school, the balanced plant-based menu is healthy for children and may help them maintain healthy body weight. Children following plant-based cuisine often eat more fruits, vegetables and fibre, and less fat and cholesterol. This may reduce risks of chronic disease and weight-related illness. The German International Academy is helping children learn ethical and sustainable eating habits as well as improving children’s fruit and vegetable consumption by introducing their sensory nerves to varied delicacies.
“We have been very careful about this approach of plant-based proteins and have put all effort to ensure the continuation of age-appropriate and well-balanced meals by substituting animal products with high nutritious proteins such as quinoa, lentils, seitan, beans (Black, Kidney, Mung, Pinto), Hemp seeds and much more. A typical school day at German International Academy provides mid-morning snack, lunch, and a mid-afternoon snack. Our meal plan consists of a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It is utmost healthy and provides the bonus of higher antioxidants and lower saturated fat and cholesterol,” the school website says.
