West Sussex vegetarian couple Dolly and Paul Saunders were told they could not be considered as foster parents because the couple stated they wouldn’t serve meat to the child at home. The county council told the family they needed carers who would be flexible in catering for dietary requirements. (And we all know how sketchy the nutritional values of vegetables are.) At the time the Saunders were denied consideration, 100 county children were waiting to be fostered.

Since having their bigotry exposed, the county council has “clarified [its] guidance to avoid misinterpretation” and asked the Saunders to re-apply. A council spokesperson stated, “The fostering service has also added to its guidelines by stating that if a person has a particular diet based on cultural or religious views then they would not be expected to prepare or cook food that may cause conflict with this.”

Veg*n parents looking for community and support should visit these two great online magazines: VegFamily.com and Vegetarian Baby & Child.

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