Question: Vegetarian-Friendly School Activity Ideas?

I received a question via email from a reader (Margaret) on ideas for vegetarian-friendly school activities. See below the full question and my answer. Please join in and share your ideas in the comment area.

Question?

I have been a vegetarian since 1981. I am raising my 7 year old son
vegetarian. I am looking for ideas to take to his public elementary school to offer as alternatives to Ice cream parites, pizza parties, Smores making, cupcakes for birshdays etc. Could be food or non food ideas. If you have some or know a resource you can recommend I wouild be very grateful. Thank you, Margaret.

My reply.

Hi, Margaret:

Thanxs for your email. Appreciate the contact. Yes it’s abit of a challenge to navigate the school (food) system when you’re a veggie and or have a veg child. I hear ya.

As for alternatives – i would suggest the following:

• Bake Sale – with fruit type pastries, cookies, cakes, etc.
• Car Wash
• Library Trip
• Trail Hike
• Museum Days – many cities have free museum days.
• Veggie Burger Party – bring some or suggest a potluck type deal where other parents MAKE some. Or better yet have a Veggie Burger Bake-Off, turn it into a contest.
• Pet Day – where kids bring in their pets.
• Decorating Contest – have kids decorate something and again turn it into a contest – kids love to compete and be challenged. As American Idol has proved, kids LOVE TO VOTE on things.
• T-shirt Day – kids get to make a statement by wearing a groovy tee.

What say you? Share below.

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11 Responses to “Question: Vegetarian-Friendly School Activity Ideas?”

1. Comment by Missy

   Kids are so creative – many ideas come to mind. Great question, Margaret.

2. Comment by Jason Mick

   Hi Margaret,
   Having grown up vegetarian, I can appreciate that it can be difficult at times, both for the children and parents. Especially around the middle school years, kids can be very intolerant. However, its always the right thing to do to set a good example, and I feel that its really worth it in the end to raise kids vegetarian.

   Aside from explaining the *why* of your dietary choices to your child, so they know how to explain their viewpoint, I’d highly recommend getting them on a sports team. Sports are a great way for kids to socialize with their peers, and the camaraderie and cool factor from it can help counteract criticism from their peers for being “different”, that they will invariably receive.

   Missy’s suggestions are terrific — a couple more are to take a trip to the Zoo (or local Aquarium) and for the birthday treat, to bring in carrots, apple slices, celery, and other veggies/fruits with nut butter (peanut butter is good, if no one is allergic).

   Keep up the good work, your kid will definitely thank you some day for sharing your compassionate and healthy lifestyle choice!!

   Cheers,
   Jason

3. Comment by Matt (No Meat Athlete)

   What’s wrong with ice cream, pizza, smores, and cupcakes once in a while? I’d pity the kid who doesn’t get to experience that stuff with his/her friends. These things are vegetarian (not vegan, of course)! Granted, there are some families who give their kids this stuff every single day, and that’s terrible. But having healthy stuff at school when they eat bad at home isn’t going to change anything. I’d say let your healthy children have some fun at school, just explain to them that this kind of stuff is for special occasions only, and explain what happens when it becomes more than that!

4. Comment by Missy

   Good point, Matt. Maybe the school does this abit too much, as opposed to occasionally. But yes once in a while is all good.

5. Comment by Missy

   Great tips, Mick. I love your Aquarium idea, a fun place indeed. And sports is also a fantastic way to socialize and be healthy. But some kids (even boys) don’t like sports. But there is always something they do like, they just need a tad push in finding it.

   Good tips, guys. Thx!

6. Comment by Jason Mick

   Hey Matt,
   I just wanted to chime in and point out that ice cream, pizza, smores (with marshmallow creme), and cupcakes can be vegan!

   Check out the article I wrote on vegan ice creams!

   Of course, of those, arguably only pizza *can* be made healthy (my mom makes great whole wheat pizza with veggies — the only fat she uses is olive oil). Not to say the others can’t be made organic/lower in sugar and fat, but they’re still going to be mostly fats and sugars, with little nutrients.

   However, I agree with your general point that maybe allowing a little directed indulgence isn’t bad. Maybe give the kid his/her own vegan ice cream — then they can enjoy it, while seeming more normal.

   Again, best of luck and hope our tips help

   -Jason

7. Comment by Dara

   I think the bake sale is a very cool idea. You could even offer wheat/gluten-free or egg-free baked goods for vegans. Also a wonderful educational opportunity for the other students to learn about people who are different.

8. Comment by Missy

   Great ideas, Dara. Thx!

9. Comment by David Goldbeck

   My new book “The ABC’s of Fruits & Vegetables and Beyond” (Ceres Press) is full of activities aroiund this theme. A sa matter of fact it has been bought in quqntity by many schools and programs.

10. Comment by Callie

    Its a tough answer, but one thing that all vegetarian and vegan parents should try to do is push the idea of NO CIRCUS TRIPS. Circuses are so evil and abusive. I hate to see my little sisters going on field trips to the circus and getting so excited about it.

11. Comment by Tracy

    Field days are always good. Kids can compete in challenges and receive awards for their accomplishments.