BEVERLEY. – A motion set to be debated at East Riding of Yorkshire Council this week is reigniting the debate over food choices in schools. Brought forward by Conservative Councillor Leo Hammond, the motion calls for an end to meat-free meals in schools, arguing that parents and children should have the final say in what they eat.
If passed, the motion would end initiatives such as “Meat-Free Mondays” and climate-conscious menus that limit meat options with immediate effect. Councillor Hammond’s proposal insists that schools should always offer both meat and vegetarian choices to students, allowing families to decide what is best for their children.
The motion also seeks to end the Council’s partnerships with organisations promoting plant-based diets, like Pro-Veg and Quorn. Instead, it advocates for a renewed focus on supporting local food producers, with plans to increase the use of locally sourced ingredients in school meals.
Central to Councillor Hammond’s proposal is the creation of a Local Food Strategy. This strategy would aim to strengthen East Riding’s agricultural sector, reduce food waste, and incorporate seasonal produce into school menus. The plan also calls for the establishment of a working group to develop a strategy for sourcing local food for school meals, with a target for full implementation by 2026.
In a statement to The Beverley Review, Councillor Hammond underscored the importance of choice. “This is about the right to choose, and who decides what our children eat. I firmly believe that decision should rest with parents, guardians, and young people themselves,” he said. “My motion ensures that schools using ERYC as their food supplier offer both meat and vegetarian options every day, giving families the freedom to decide what works best for them.”
Councillor Hammond’s motion has been met with strong criticism from opposition leader at County Hall, Councillor Denis Healy, leader of the Liberal Democrats. Councillor Healy has described the proposal as politically motivated and out of touch with reality.
“The motion is one of the most ham-fisted and uninformed we’ve seen in this council,” Councillor Healy told us. “The idea that children in East Riding schools are being ‘forced’ to eat meat-free meals is not true. Our officers have confirmed that ‘Meat-Free Mondays’ is not part of council policy, and the fear-mongering surrounding this motion is unnecessary.”
Councillor Healy went on to emphasise that his party remains committed to both choice and supporting local farmers. “We support our farmers—whether they’re in dairy, beef, sheep, or arable farming—and we stand by the council’s nutritional standards, which recommend a balanced diet with daily high-protein sources like meat, fish, dairy, and vegetables.”
Councillor Healy also took the opportunity to criticise Labour in what he called the Governments “family farm tax,” a policy he believes unfairly penalises farmers, while also highlighting the need to support local food to lower carbon footprints and strengthen the economy.
While opposition councillors plan to oppose the motion, some parents have previously expressed support for the stance Cllr Hammond’s motion promotes; voicing serious concerns over the forced nature of meat-free days, and the limitations they place on food choice.
Parents who spoke with Hull Daily Mail last year echoed similar sentiments, with some stating that while promoting vegetable consumption is a good idea, it shouldn’t come at the cost of restricting meat options. One parent told the newspaper, “I think it’s a good idea to encourage children to eat more vegetables, but I don’t think it should be forced upon them.” Another added, “I understand the environmental concerns, but I believe in giving children the choice.”
The controversy surrounding mandatory plant-based days has also played out at other local institutions. In 2023, Bishop Burton College, a leading agricultural college, introduced vegan food options and meat-free days in its canteen. Given the college is responsible for promoting local agriculture, the move led to a backlash, with the college principal eventually having to withdraw the proposal and apologise. The incident underscored the ongoing tension between sustainability efforts and the concerns of the local agricultural community.
If Councillor Hammond’s motion passes, it could mark a major shift in how school meals are handled across East Riding. The proposed Local Food Strategy could provide a much-needed boost to the region’s farming sector and offer students a more varied and locally sourced menu.
The debate, which will take place on February 26 as part of February’s Full Council meeting of East Riding Council, promises to be varied, with other councillors expected to contribute views on the issue. As the vote approaches, the central question remains: can the council strike a balance between environmental goals and giving families the freedom to choose what their children eat?
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