LDSS students serving up plant-based food

LEAMINGTON — As part of their International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a couple of Grade 11 students at Leamington District Secondary School (LDSS) are spearheading a plant-based cooking program.

Nicolas Lougheed and Matthew Kenney are part of the IB program at LDSS and also part of the Eco- Team at the school.

Their task — especially during Earth Week April 19 to 25 — is to promote healthy and sustainable eating habits among youth around the school by reducing the amount of meat that they eat, particularly beef.

According to Matthew, meat-based diets are not only bad for your body, but also bad for the environment.

Matthew Kenney, left, with Nicolas Lougheed and culinary teacher Joe Youssef.

Photo submitted

“Cattle farms produce five billion tons of climate pollution in the form of methane gas emitted after eating,” said Matthew.

Cattle farms have become industrialized farming, according to Matthew and Nicolas.

To combat that, they have developed a plantbased cooking class and with the help of the Eco-Team will hold after-school classes on April 20 and 21.

So far, they’ve got eight students in each class. The classes are open to any student interested in learning the benefits of plant-based cooking.

According to Nicolas, eating a strict plant-based diet over the long term would greatly reduce the amount of greenhouse gases making their way into the atmosphere.

As members of the Eco-Team, Matthew and Nicolas have participated in climate lessons in auto shop, hospitality and construction — three curriculum areas that are greatly affected by climate change.

Sunset Farms have graciously supplied eggplant, tomatoes and peppers to help offset food costs.

The impact on the environment from plantbased eating is expected to be significant.

“Animal products produce 30 per cent of the world’s emissions,” said Matthew. So, what’s on the menu? On Wednesday, April 20 they will be cooking and serving up such dishes as stuffed pasta shells, spring rolls and flatbread pizza, while Thursday’s menu will consist of roasted cauliflower tacos and gnocchi.

Friday April 22 — which is actually Earth Day — students are asked to wear blue and green and participate in a schoolyard and neighbourhood cleanup.