Catering for Dixie Fire (East) is suppling “double” portions of vegetables/legumes as a protein replacement for Vegetarian crew members. A serving of beans (1/2 cup) has as much protein as a single ounce of meat yet, a vegetarian firefighter would have to consume between 2-3 cups of legumes to receive the same protein as an omnivorous firefighter. This is not a fair nor sustainable amount of protein replacement. Meat alternatives are easily accessible and readily available but the caterer does not offer any to vegetarian crew members nor have they made any attempt to acquiesce when such substitutes have been requested. Furthermore, the gastrointestinal discomfort of eating that many beans is unfair and unkind. The same replacement strategy is used when legume aren’t present, a double portion of vegetables is meant to offer the same nourishment which is simply untenable. Also, vegetarian lunches have expired or spoiled items consistently. |