Parents of vegan kids and those who are allergic to dairy are criticising a scheme that gives out free cow’s milk to under fives.
Children in approved daycare get a third of a pint of milk a day under the government initiative that dates back to the 1940s.
The idea is to give kids a nutritional boost but most nurseries and schools only provide cow’s milk for free, meaning children who drink plant-based milks are left out.
According to the Vegan Society website, parents have been submitting their opinions and the group has now sent a letter to the Department of Health to ask them to ensure alternative milks are included in the scheme.
They point out plant milks are fortified with calcium and UK’s Eatwell Guide recognises that fortified plant milks represent a valuable alternative to cows’ milk.
Testimonies from parents published on their website explained why it was an issue.
One parent in Whitstable, Kent said: ‘My daughter started school last September.
‘She doesn’t drink cow milk and no other alternative was offered so I had to buy oat milk every week and send it in with her.
‘Obviously (due to having to remember at least 340 things each morning) I forgot some weeks… So she was given water, which made her unhappy and made me feel guilty.
‘It is absolutely ridiculous there isn’t a dairy-free option.’
Another in Suffolk added: ‘My daughter had cows milk allergy and started reception class in September.
‘All reception age children are given carton of cow’s milk and snack at break time. They couldn’t provide her with milk alternative.’
Dr Jeanette Rowley, The Vegan Society’s legal advisor, said: ‘Law regulating the provision of milk for young children is in urgent need of reform to recognise current scientific evidence on nutrition and a growing consumer trend away from dairy products.
‘Public authorities are under a general duty under the Equality Act 2010 to avoid discrimination; by limiting the Nursery Milk Scheme only to cow’s milk, the Department of Health are failing in that duty.
‘We are urging the government to include fortified plant milk in its milk schemes nationwide, to ensure vegan children are catered for with a nutritionally adequate and delicious milk alternative.’
The Department of Health has been contacted for comment and we will update this article if they respond.
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