peta2 Nominates The Chapin School for 'Most Veg-Friendly Cafeteria' Award

Five Nominees Are in the Running to Be Named the Private School That Gives Its Students the Best Food for Thought

For Immediate Release:
April 20, 2010

Contact:
Marta Holmberg 757-622-7382

New York -- Not so long ago, a vegan meal at many of the country's high schools consisted of pale canned peas and limp salad, but times have changed for the better. Now peta2, the world's largest youth animal rights organization, is announcing the nominees for its second annual Most Veg-Friendly Cafeteria competition--and The Chapin School has made the grade.

The school has been chosen as one of the top five private schools in the U.S. for its vegetarian and vegan food offerings. Among the many meatless selections served up in the school's cafeteria are African split pea soup, green lentil curry, veggie spring rolls, and vegetable French ragout with roasted tofu. Soy milk is also offered to the students.

Kids who eat plant-based foods get all the protein and other nutrients that they need without consuming all the cholesterol and saturated fats that are found in meat, eggs, and dairy products. Students who stick to vegan options are more likely than their classmates to stay slim and avoid developing "adult" health problems that can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and Type 2 diabetes. By eating a vegan diet, students help not only themselves but also the planet. According to the United Nations, raising animals for food generates more greenhouse-gas emissions than all the cars, trucks, boats, trains, and planes in the world combined. Students who avoid meat and dairy products also save many animals' lives every year.

"By offering a number of meatless food options in its cafeteria, The Chapin School is not only helping students maintain good health but also helping them save animals and the planet," says peta2 director Dan Shannon. "For more and more young people, these are all important goals."

Other nominees include California's Jewish Community High School, Ohio's Columbus School for Girls, The Colorado Springs School, and Massachusetts' Beaver Country Day School. Nominees were chosen based on student recommendations and feedback received through MySpace, Facebook, and the peta2 Web site. Voting ends on April 30, and the winners will be announced on May 3. Everyone is eligible to vote to help peta2 find a winner.

To learn more about the contest or to cast your vote, please visit peta2.com.