In response to “Feeding your kids fairly,” this case is a clear example of personal neglect on the part of the parents, and not a result of their vegan diet. Countless studies have shown that not only does a vegan diet provide all of the vitamins and nutrients that people need in all stages of life, but also brings with it several long-term health benefits. According to the late Dr. Benjamin Spock, America’s leading authority on child care, “children who grow up getting their nutrition from plant foods rather than meats have a tremendous health advantage. They are less likely to develop weight problems, diabetes, high blood pressure and some forms of cancer.” Furthermore, the children would not be contributing to the immense amount of suffering involved in modern meat production. On today’s factory farms, chickens have their beaks seared off with a hot blade, pigs are crammed into tiny spaces that don’t even allow them turn around, and cows are often skinned and dismembered while fully conscious. Cruelty like this is standard in an industry that refuses to make even the most basic changes in the way they treat their animals. A vegan diet is a healthier choice for people of all ages from infancy to senior citizens. College students, in particular, have seen their vegan options skyrocket in recent years, with healthier, more humane products such as vegetarian barbecue “riblets” and vegan pizza now widely available in dining halls and grocery stores. When college students are faced with these decisions, it’s clear that vegetarian and vegan options are better for their health, better for the environment, and most certainly better for animals.

– Ryan Huling [email protected] The writer is the College Campaign Coordinator for PETA2