Meat-free Mondays may be on menu for Surrey schools

Plans would see an entirely plant-based menu served every Monday

Schools in Surrey will serve an entirely plant-based menu to pupils on one day a week under a proposed healthy eating strategy.

“Meat-free Monday” could be mandatory for all Surrey County Council state schools and some private schools.

Officials said the scheme aims to address food insecurity, cut carbon emissions and help children keep a “healthy” weight.

Council officer Marisa Heath said: “We’re still giving six days a week for people to make other choices so I don’t think it is draconian or heavy handed.”

Preferred menu

The idea is being considered as part of the Surrey Healthy Schools programme, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Council officers said the preferred menu would prioritise fruit, vegetables and legumes - rather than processed, plant-based meat alternatives.

They also said children who cannot eat plant-based food must be considered in the plans.

Ms Heath told a communities, environment and highways select committee meeting: “I don’t think meat-free Mondays is too much to ask for one day a week."

Around 1,210 of 9,355 Year 6 pupils measured in Surrey were classed as obese or severely obese in 2022-23, NHS figures show.

“Levelling up is not just about buildings, it’s about people. It’s about their wellbeing, mental and physical, and allowing them to reach their [potential],” said Ms Heath.

The meat-free Monday proposal is part of a sustainable food strategy motion before the select committee.

Publication of the Surrey Whole System Food Strategy is currently being finalised, according to the council.