Perth and Kinross Conservatives have welcomed the decision by Tayside Contracts, who intend to withdraw its involvement with Proveg, a charity organisation that encourages Plant-based cooking in schools.
The organisation has a global campaign – the “50by40” initiative which proposes a 50% reduction in global meat, dairy and egg consumption by 2040.
However recent concerns have surfaced that the organisation is politically motivated and does not respect the choice of families and children to eat alternative options. Complaints have been raised by local parents, farmers and politicians in the school areas covered by Tayside Contracts.
Commenting Cllr Caroline Shiers who has been a long-standing member of the Tayside Contracts Committee and education spokesperson for the Perth and Kinross Conservative Group on the council stated “I am delighted that Tayside Contracts are parting ways with Proveg.
“Having spent time reading about the lobbying organisation Proveg following discussion with Lauren Houstoun of Glenkilrie Larder in Glenshee which is in my Council ward and who has been a staunch campaigner for choice in school meals across Tayside, I became concerned that Proveg promote “nudges” intended to rebalance menus away from red meat and encourage the promotion of vegan school menus.
“What we want to see is clear choice in school menus balanced with the support for our local agricultural sector. Organisations such as Proveg have a very political agenda which is not promoting a wide choice but rather a focus on a meat-free agenda. Tayside Contracts has excellent in-house nutritional advisors who do a great job and we now need to focus on increasing the use of the excellent local meat, veg and fruit available in Tayside and in Scotland."
Murdo Fraser MSP has also welcomed the news, saying, “This is excellent news for school meals across Tayside. Children should have the choice to eat non-vegan food every day of the week.
“I have held numerous meetings with NFUS and other organisations such as BASC, who have also campaigned against political interference with school meals.
“Tayside Contracts should now look to increase their support of our farmers and producers.”
