Empathy School’s commitment to a vegan lifestyle is not just about the food we serve; it’s about instilling a sense of respect and love for all living beings and the planet we share.
4.2 The Menu
We believe in the power of whole, natural foods to create a foundation for lifelong health and well-being. Research by Tuso, P. J., Ismail, M. H., Ha, B. P., & Bartolotto, C. (2013) in the ‘The Permanente Journal’ supports the idea that plant-based diets, including vegan diets, can be nutritionally adequate and may provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. This highlights the role of a vegan lifestyle in promoting health and well-being. One of the central findings is that plant-based diets can offer protection against certain diseases. This includes a lower risk of heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The authors attribute these benefits to higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and soy products in plant-based diets, which are rich in fiber, vitamins, and phytonutrients that promote health.
Each day, we embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the diversity and abundance of nature. From the vibrant colors of our Rainbow Buddha Bowl to the comforting warmth of our Lentil and Vegetable Curry, our menu is designed to delight the senses and satisfy the appetite. We source our ingredients locally, supporting our community’s farmers and ensuring the freshest, most flavorful produce.
We also believe in keeping our plant-based menu dynamic and exciting. That’s why we’re proud to say that our menu is on a weekly rotation. Each week, our culinary team thoughtfully crafts a new set of plant-based dishes, ensuring that our students and their families have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of flavors, ingredients, and cuisines. This approach not only keeps mealtime interesting but also exposes our community to the vast possibilities of vegan cooking.
Our meals are not just about sustenance; they are an educational experience. We aim to inspire our students and their families to embrace a plant-based diet, highlighting the environmental and health benefits of this compassionate choice. By providing a variety of delicious and nutritious options, we hope to make the transition to a vegan lifestyle both enjoyable and effortless.
Monday:
- Breakfast: Tropical Fruit Salad with Chia Seeds and Coconut Yogurt
- Snack: Carrot Sticks with Hummus
- Lunch: Rainbow Buddha Bowl with Quinoa, Roasted Vegetables, Avocado, and Tahini Dressing
- Snack: Mango and Pineapple Skewers
Tuesday:
- Breakfast: Vegan Banana Oat Pancakes with Maple Syrup and Fresh Berries
- Snack: Cucumber and Bell Pepper Slices with Guacamole
- Lunch: Grilled Vegetable and Hummus Wrap with a Side Salad
- Snack: Apple Slices with Almond Butter
Wednesday:
- Breakfast: Green Smoothie with Spinach, Banana, Pineapple, and Flaxseed
- Snack: Roasted Chickpeas
- Lunch: Vegan Sushi Rolls with Avocado, Cucumber, Carrot, and Tofu
- Snack: Fresh Coconut Water and a Handful of Nuts
Thursday:
- Breakfast: Chia Pudding with Mixed Berries and Coconut Flakes
- Snack: Celery Sticks with Peanut Butter
- Lunch: Vegan Caesar Salad with Chickpea Croutons and Cashew Dressing
- Snack: Kiwi and Strawberry Salad
Friday:
- Breakfast: Avocado Toast on Whole Grain Bread with Tomato and Sprouts
- Snack: Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Vegan Aioli
- Lunch: Vegan Burrito Bowl with Brown Rice, Black Beans, Grilled Veggies, Salsa, and Guacamole
- Snack: Watermelon and Mint Salad
Our Empathy School menu is thoughtfully designed for Monday through Friday, providing our students with nutritious, plant-based meals that fuel their learning and growth. However, we understand the importance of family time and home-cooked meals during the weekends. Therefore, we’ve included suggested menus for Saturday and Sunday, designed to inspire families who wish to continue the plant-based journey at home. These weekend menus are crafted with the same care and attention to nutrition as our school meals, offering a delightful array of options for families to explore and enjoy together in their own kitchens. Whether it’s the vibrant Quinoa Salad with Roasted Beetroot for Saturday lunch or the comforting Vegan Paella for Sunday dinner, we hope these suggestions will encourage families to embrace the joy of cooking and sharing plant-based meals, creating cherished memories and healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Saturday:
- Breakfast: Overnight Oats with Almond Milk, Chia Seeds, and Diced Mango
- Snack: Edamame Beans with Sea Salt
- Lunch: Quinoa Salad with Roasted Beetroot, Orange Segments, and Walnuts
- Snack: Pomegranate Seeds and Dark Chocolate Chips
- Dinner: Vegan Pizza with Tomato Sauce, Grilled Vegetables, and Cashew Cheese
Sunday:
- Breakfast: Smoothie Bowl with Acai, Banana, and Granola
- Snack: Trail Mix with Nuts and Dried Fruit
- Lunch: Lentil Soup with Spinach and a Slice of Whole Grain Bread
- Snack: Peach and Raspberry Sorbet
- Dinner: Vegan Paella with Saffron Rice, Artichokes, Bell Peppers, and Peas