Bare Foods Global has announced it is bringing the Meatless Mondays initiative to 20 schools across the UAE.
Meatless Mondays, a movement which is now celebrating its 20th anniversary, began in the US and is now active in over 40 countries.
It aims to improve personal health and reduce people’s environmental impact by providing plant-based meals every Monday.
The Meatless Mondays initiative also includes educational components such as guest speakers, nutritional lessons, and discussions on sustainability.
Commenting on the initiative, Tolga Soytekin, Founder & Executive Development Chef at Bare Foods Global, said: “We are excited to bring Meatless Mondays to schools in the UAE. Our collaboration with our catering partner, Ben’s Farmhouse, is a significant step towards encouraging healthier eating habits among students and addressing global issues such as food security and resource conservation. This initiative is more than just skipping meat; it’s about nurturing a sustainable future.”
Ben Tobitt, Founder & Managing Director at Ben’s Farmhouse, added: “Partnering with Bare Food Global for Meatless Mondays aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing healthy, sustainable food choices. We are proud to be part of a movement that not only benefits the health of our students but also contributes to a more sustainable planet.”
Ben’s Farmhouse provides catering to seven schools, serving a range of age groups from kindergarten to secondary and sixth-form students.
According to Tobbit, since teaming up with Bare Foods, the amount of children wanting to take part has been “pretty much 100%.”
Speaking on this success, which he attributed to the quality ingredients, he said: “It is exceptional, and they truly resemble the everyday non-vegan favourites such as meatballs, bolognese & parmigiana. I honestly believe that we are making massive progress when it comes to our future generations having a better understanding of food security, sustainability, plant-based foods and why it’s so important for the future.”
Bare Foods Global’s Tolga Soytekin shared that he plans to expand and invites more UAE catering and education community members to join the initiative.
“Consuming less red and processed meat and more plant-based foods such as vegetables, beans, soy, and nuts offers many potential health benefits. The initiative also addresses the excessive meat consumption. Opting for Meatless Mondays reduces meat consumption by 15%.”