UCLA

Research has shown that a shift in dietary patterns towards a more plant-rich diet is required tomeet climate targets. One method of mitigating our carbon footprint is to replace beef with beans in K-12 lunches. Real sample menus from school districts throughout the US were used to determine the environmental strain caused by beef as the default option in schools. This limited study considered the following metrics: environmental health, land and water use, financial impacts, and cultural benefits. The results determined that replacing beef with beans in school lunches can provide benefits across each of these factors particularly in emission reduction associated with bean production. By making the substitution of beef for beans, schools can contribute to climate goals and promote sustainable eating habits while also providing students with a nutritious meal.