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The lunch menus at most schools are pretty predictable: chicken nuggets, mystery meat, the oft-celebrated once-a-week pizza day. Rarely are there enough fruits and veggies in the mix.

But the Dallas ISD (Independent School District) is thinking outside the [lunch]box. The school district recently tried a meatless menu.

The one-day experiment included falafel and chicken-less salad, among other options.

“I think it’s a great idea it’ll get kids to stop eating so much meat; it’ll get them to start eating more healthier foods,” one of the school’s students told a WFAA reporter.

“Dallas ISD featured the Lean and Green Day menu to celebrate Earth month and test out new creative plant-based recipes with students,” says Dora Rivas, executive director of food and children’s nutrition.

“Plant-protein foods, such as beans, peas and soy (ones featured in Lean and Green entrees), are good for the body—rich in dietary fiber and low in saturated fat.  New dietary guidelines recommend more fruit and vegetables.”

The kids’ favorite item was baked ziti, Rivas told Latest Vegan News. “Elementary students wanted to see more plant-based options like the ones served on Lean and Green Day for next year’s school menu. Students couldn’t tell meat was not present in their school meal!”

The school isn’t officially adopting any meatless days of the week—yet—but they do have plans to continue to add healthier items, says Rivas.

“This preview of Lean and Green Day will also make its way into the menu next school year as we continue to promote the consumption of more fruits, vegetables, and a variety of vegetarian and plant-based protein options.”

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