NEW YORK, (Reuters) – Bring on the broccoli.

As part of an effort by New York City’s Department of Education, public schools now offer vegan meals on Fridays.

On the first day, vegan tacos, black bean and corn salad were on the menu.

Milk and cheese sandwiches will also be on offer, but Friday’s menus in New York City’s public schools will remain vegan. This system is the most extensive in America with over 1,800 schools serving more than 1.1 million students.

In a tweet, the Department of Education of New York City stated that “Plant-based alternatives in schools means healthy food and healthy living.”

Dana Smith, campaign director for Meatless Monday said that it was a significant shift to where students were eating dairy-heavy food like pizza and grilled cheese.

The city’s schools now serve vegetarian meals Mondays since 2019/20.

Eric Adams, New York City’s Mayor is Vegan. Adams has highlighted the benefits to health and environment of a plant based diet.

Adams stated earlier this week that Adams spoke in one voice about childhood obesity and diabetes. Yet, Adams pointed out that he went into schools every day to see the food which feeds the health care crisis.

The children keep calling me, asking for better school food. “I am going to try my best to offer them healthier options,” he stated.

Vanita Rahman from Barnard Medical Center was a clinic director who praised this new initiative.

She said, “I believe this is a great first step to bring it to school because children can be vulnerable.” “They will eat whatever they are given at home and school. The food may be out of their control. This is why New York City’s public schools offer this program as a great first step.