Calderdale Council in West Yorkshire has voted to serve only vegan food at its official meetings and events. This is a move it says reflects its ambition to cut carbon emissions and promote sustainable diets. Supporters argue that plant-based catering is a small but important step towards the council’s goal of achieving net-zero by 2038.
Not Everyone Is Convinced
Critics from opposition parties have described the decision as unnecessarily restrictive, suggesting it limits choice and sends the wrong message to residents who enjoy diets that include meat and dairy. However, a survey by The Vegan Society shows that 3% of people in the UK now follow a plant-forward diet.
Farming and Countryside Groups Have Also Voiced Their Frustration
They argue that the policy undermines local food producers, particularly those livestock and dairy farmers who are working hard to adopt more sustainable practices. There are also concerns that sourcing plant-based foods from outside the region could increase food miles, contradicting the council’s environmental goals. If you have a food business and need a new commercial kitchen extraction system, companies such as targetcatering.co.uk/commercial-kitchen-extraction deliver a professional and friendly service.
Setting an Example to Others
Defending the decision, council leaders emphasised that the change will apply to only a handful of events each year. They stressed that individuals are free to bring their own food if they wish, of course, and insisted the policy is more about setting an example than forcing residents to change their eating habits. The debate highlights a wider question of how councils balance their environmental commitments with personal choice.
