HSUS Youth Activities - Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society, Inc - Articles - Letters - and More: vegetarian, vegan, animal rights, health, nutrition, environment

To: HSUS
Re: Humane Society Youth
From: Roberta Schiff, President, Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society

I have been checking out your website and see that you are offering a lot of options for activities and resources to allow children to learn about how they can participate in animal welfare.
However, I see an omission. There is no information about factory farming and the cruelty and environmental damage (and contribution to global warming). There are no suggestions about eating vegan as a way individuals can contribute to change both for themselves or for the animals and the planet. There are no books about children and vegetarianism such as the following from Micah Publications:

Vegetarian & Animal Rights Materials for Children

A BOY, A CHICKEN AND THE LION OF JUDAH: How Ari Became A Vegetarian
by Roberta Kalechofsky
THE GREEN MITZVAH BOOKLETS
by Richard Schwartz and Roberta Kalechofsky
MY TIME:
A Do-It-Yourself, Color-Me-In Jewish Humane Calendar

What about food served at these various activities?

I realize the problems that arise when teachers and parents are not vegetarian friendly. However to leave out this very important aspect of animal cruelty, you know the numbers, (ten billion slaughtered each year), gives the impression that if we learn to treat companion animals with kindness and how to protect wildlife, the problems are solved.

I feel children ought to be made aware of the issue even if it make some people uncomfortable. I would appreciate a personal reply.