Crosscanonby St. John’S Church Of England School Wins PETA Europe Award

For Immediate Release:
7 April 2009

Contact:
Sam Glover 020 7357 9229, ext 229; [email protected]

Cumbria – For offering students an opportunity to grow their own vegetables at a local allotment, Crosscanonby St. John’s Church of England School will receive a Healthy School Award from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Europe.

Over the next two years, students will look after the allotment site in Crosby, harvesting and planting potatoes, carrots, leeks and other vegetables and then cooking them at the school. Crosscanoby St. John’s CE School will work with the Solway Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Allerby Community Gardens and the West Cumbria Achievement Zone. PETA Europe commends the school for teaching the importance of eating healthy food – especially since so many children have been seduced by fast food and are growing up overweight.

In contrast to fast food, plant-based foods are low in fat, contain no cholesterol, have plenty of fibre and have been shown to help reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and other ailments. Studies show that vegetarian children are slimmer, on average, and that they have more energy and get better marks than their meat-eating peers do. The children may also be inspired to learn that each vegetarian saves more than 100 animals every year and that eating a vegetarian diet helps combat climate change, water pollution and the destruction of the rain forests.

The school will receive a framed certificate and a letter of appreciation.
 
“We give Crosscanonby St. John’s Church of England School an A+ for encouraging students to adopt a nutritious, delicious and humane vegetarian diet”, says PETA Europe Director Robbie LeBlanc. “Crosscanonby St. John’s CE School has set a terrific example for schools across the UK.”

For more information on the many benefits of a vegetarian diet, please visit PETA.org.uk.