Rethinking green school lunch in Hong Kong : an attitudinal survey on plant-based meal options

Abstract

Amid the accelerating environmental degradation and climate change, the shift towards plantbased (PB) diets has been attracting more attention as an effective action to preserve the health of humans as well as the planet. With one of the highest per capita meat consumption in the world and heavy dependence on imported food, Hong Kong has an enormous stake in preserving the planetary health and promoting the sustainable diet. This study aimed at promoting PB diet through Hong Kong’s school lunch system, for its unique characteristics as a potential life-wide leaning venue for students and their families. Through an attitudinal survey of parents conducted between January and May 2019 as well as interviews with various stakeholders conducted between February and May 2019, the study sought to investigate perspectives of different players, identify challenges and opportunities, and make recommendations to promote PB school meals further. The results showed the need for the government to include sustainable dietary shift as one of their priorities for environmental protection, rectify the misconception of the nutritional values of PB meals, educate stakeholders on the interconnectedness of diet, environment and health, and explore ways to support food suppliers. In particular, recommendations were made to expand the scope of the existing Green School Lunch (GSL) program to include the promotion of PB school meals and to implement stakeholders education as well as a public campaign on the benefits of PB diet.