Agenda item

“This Council recognises that meat and dairy production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and global deforestation and that reducing consumption of these foods is a key part of tackling climate change and improving health outcomes.

 

The Government's independent Climate Change Committee, advises that meat consumption should be reduced by a fifth, and that public bodies should lead the way by promoting plant-based food options. Leading by example on this, and food waste, should be fundamental components of our commitment to cutting carbon emissions.

 

Furthermore, in the UK, only 18% of children consume the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, and most young people's diets lack fibre. Providing appealing plant-based school meals along with education on healthy, climate-positive food choices are excellent ways to address these problems.

 

Council asks Cabinet to:

 

1.     Ensure that food provided at all council catered events and meetings is entirely plant-based, preferably using ingredients sourced from local food surplus organisations.

2.     Ensure that Council school meals services have plant-based menus available as part of their regular offer on at least two days per week.

3.     Work on outreach to schools and young people to actively influence and inform on food choices and their impact on the environment, health and animal welfare.

4.     Encourage and empower students to make informed decisions about the food available in their school.

5.     Inspire, promote and support initiatives surrounding food growing, preparation and waste avoidance, especially as part of school and community projects.”

 

Councillor Ian Middleton moved and Councillor Andrew Gant seconded the following motion:

 

“This Council recognises that meat and dairy production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and global deforestation and that reducing consumption of these foods is a key part of tackling climate change and improving health outcomes.

 

The Government's independent Climate Change Committee, advises that meat consumption should be reduced by a fifth, and that public bodies should lead the way by promoting plant-based food options. Leading by example on this, and food waste, should be fundamental components of our commitment to cutting carbon emissions.

 

Furthermore, in the UK, only 18% of children consume the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, and most young people's diets lack fibre. Providing appealing plant-based school meals along with education on healthy, climate-positive food choices are excellent ways to address these problems.

 

Council asks Cabinet to:

 

1.     Ensure that food provided at all council catered events and meetings is entirely plant-based, preferably using ingredients sourced from local food surplus organisations.

2.     Ensure that Council school meals services have plant-based menus available as part of their regular offer on at least two days per week.

3.     Work on outreach to schools and young people to actively influence and inform on food choices and their impact on the environment, health and animal welfare.

4.     Encourage and empower students to make informed decisions about the food available in their school.

5.     Inspire, promote and support initiatives surrounding food growing, preparation and waste avoidance, especially as part of school and community projects.”

 

Councillor David Bartholomew moved and Councillor Eddie Reeves seconded the following amendment as shown in bold italics and stickthrough:

 

“This Council recognises that meat and dairy production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and global deforestation and that reducing consumption of these foods is play a key part of tackling climate change and improving health outcomes. 

  

The Government's independent Climate Change Committee advises that meat consumption should be reduced by a fifth, and that public bodies should lead the way by promoting plant-based food options. leading by example on this and food waste should be fundamental components of our commitment to cutting carbon emissions. 

  

Furthermore, in the UK, only 18% of children consume the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, and most young people's diets lack fibre. Providing appealing plant-based school meals along with education on healthy, climate-positive food choices are excellent ways to address these problems. 

  

Council asks Cabinet to: 

  

1.     Ensure that food provided at all council catered events and meetings is entirely have a plant-based option, preferably using ingredients sourced from local food surplus organisations. 

2.     Ensure that council school meals services have a plant-based menus option available as part of their regular offer on at least two days per week. 

3.     Work on outreach to schools and young people to actively influence and inform on food choices and their impact on the environment, health and animal welfare. 

4.     Encourage and empower students to make informed decisions about the food available in their school. 

5.     Inspire, promote and support initiatives surrounding food growing, preparation and waste avoidance, especially as part of school and community projects.” 

 

Following debate, the amendment by Councillor David Bartholomew was put to the vote and was lost by 9 votes to 8.

 

With the consent of Council, (vote taken 10 votes to 7) the amendment by Councillor Sally Povolotsky as shown in bold italics and strikethrough was accepted.

 

“This Council recognises that global meat and dairy production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and global deforestation and that reducing consumption of these foods is a key part of tackling climate change. and improving health outcomes.

 

The Government's independent Climate Change Committee, advises that meat consumption should be reduced by a fifth, and that public bodies should lead the way by promoting promote plant-based foods options. Leading by example on this, That, and the avoidance of food waste, should be fundamental components of our commitment are powerful ways to cutting carbon emissions.

 

Furthermore, in the UK, only 18% of children consume the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, and most young people's diets lack fibre. Providing appealing plant-based school meals along with education on healthy, climate-positive food choices are excellent ways to address these problems.

 

Council asks Cabinet to:

 

1.     Ensure that food provided at all council catered events and meetings is entirely plant-based, preferably using ingredients sourced from local food surplus organisations.

2.     Ensure that Council school meals services have plant-based menus available as part of their regular offer on at least two days per week.

3.     Work on outreach to schools and young people to actively influence and inform on food choices and their impact on the environment, health and animal welfare.

4.     Encourage and empower students to make informed decisions about the food available in their school.

5.     Inspire, promote and support initiatives surrounding food growing, preparation and waste avoidance, especially as part of school and community projects;

6.     Recognise the benefit of sourcing food locally from producers who follow sustainable principles.”

 

Following debate, the motion as amended was put to the vote and was carried by 10 votes to 7.

 

Following receiving advice from the Monitoring Officer that under Council Procedure Rule 13.5.1.the Motion was an executive function, Council referred the Motion to Cabinet for consideration.

 

RESOLVED: (by 10 votes to 7)

 

“This Council recognises that global meat and dairy production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation and that reducing consumption of these foods is a key part of tackling climate change.

 

The Government's independent Climate Change Committee, advises that meat consumption should be reduced by a fifth, and that public bodies should promote plant-based foods. That, and the avoidance of food waste are powerful ways to cutting carbon emissions.

 

Furthermore, in the UK, only 18% of children consume the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, and most young people's diets lack fibre. Providing appealing plant-based school meals along with education on healthy, climate-positive food choices are excellent ways to address these problems.

 

Council asks Cabinet to:

 

1.     Ensure that food provided at all council catered events and meetings is entirely plant-based, preferably using ingredients sourced from local food surplus organisations.

2.     Ensure that Council school meals services have plant-based menus available as part of their regular offer on at least two days per week.

3.     Work on outreach to schools and young people to actively influence and inform on food choices and their impact on the environment, health and animal welfare.

4.     Encourage and empower students to make informed decisions about the food available in their school.

5.     Inspire, promote and support initiatives surrounding food growing, preparation and waste avoidance, especially as part of school and community projects;

6.     Recognise the benefit of sourcing food locally from producers who follow sustainable principles.”