This spring, a sixth-grade class at the Odelsberg School in Strömstad came in with a letter to the city council. They urged the municipality to think about the environment - in all decisions taken. One of the points that they cleared up was precisely the question of removing beef from the school food voucher. That idea felt Feminist initiative was good, and has now put a political motion on the issue.

- It is a way to respect the students and give them a voice, says Marielle Alvdal (Fi).

She points out that the important thing about the issue of ground beef is the environmental aspect and that the party is running the issue in hopes of reducing meat consumption. Marielle Alvdal believes that beef has the greatest environmental impact.

- We have to reduce meat consumption. Beef is the biggest environmental cure when compared to other types of meat, she explains.

But if the kids want to eat beef then?

- Beef is served on average only once a week at school. Then they can eat meat at home.

(S) doubtful of proposals

Mats Granberg (S), 1st Deputy Chairman of the Municipal Board, is hesitant about the proposal and sees no reason why the beef should be slaughtered altogether.

- I'm a little surprised. Should you stop eating fish too? It is a bit drastic to say that we should end with beef, he says.

He explains that the Social Democrats will not approve the motion if there is a vote in the municipal council. The proposal is currently under review. Among other things, the Children and Education Board must give their views on the matter.

- If we are to have an open landscape, then agriculture is there. Should we then throw away the meat? You can buy local produce, says Mats Granberg.

"Children want meat"

He also thinks that the children are accustomed to eating beef, and that it would be an excessive change.

- I think the kids want meat. They eat meat pans and other things that they think are good. I think the beef has its place in Swedish cooking.

But it was a school class that came up with the idea itself?

- Well, but my opinion is that if you say that now there is a stop on beef in school then parents and students would react.

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How can you make a conscious choice in the meat counter to protect the planet? Photo: Markus Ljungholm / SVT, TT

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