A Non-Issue In the States

Yesterday and today we've had a rather comedic volley of e-mails sent back and forth on all-staff e-mails, and I thought I'd share them. I took out names to keep the parties involved anonymous, but thought it was quite interesting. In the states, this issue just simply wouldn't come up...and if it did, the responses would DEFINITELY not be so opinionated. Enjoy!

Original E-Mail

On behalf of Mars and Menu Committee, we ask your voting choice of 'Yes' or 'No', in favor of Buffalo meat included on the menu, as Chicken has become expensive and difficult to purchase within the Mars (food service) budget.

Reply #1. "I don't think the stigma surrounding the killing of cows applies to buffalo's. In fact I'm pretty sure of this. They're viewed as a different species - most importantly, buffalos are dark, cows are white.

Still, it might be best to do a quick survey of the employees."

Reply #2. "As far as I know and believe in, being an Indian and a Hindu by religion, eating of both cows and buffaloes is not accepted. though with time, things might be changing a little bit."

Reply #3. "I completely agree, it will be unacceptable to some staff members, parents and even employees (who will be cooking)."

Reply #4. "The idea of buffalo meat gives the same feeling as the thought of cow meat, and both are considered unpalatable by Hindus living in India. I believe that the community around Woodstock will not appreciate this idea either."

Reply #5. "I do not eat in the school dining room but would certainly vote against the buff meat being served here."

Reply #6. "When we were here from 1995 - 1999, buffalo was regularly served. When we arrived in July, I was quite surprised to find this is no longer the case. Most of the same employees were cooking then as now and I never heard anything negative about buffalo on religious grounds. I'd be interested in knowing when and why this changed."

Reply #7. "I humbly request that we stop the all staff replies, which I must take blame for starting even though only a vote of yes or no was requested. Please, high school students and woodstock all staff do not hit the reply to all button. If you want to vote, please feel free to do so. I also would clearly acknowledge that, having lived in India for 30 years, I am aware of the dietary issues, will speak to the head cook, and will suggest an appropriate decision be made. Thank you."

Reply #8. "I have read many of the responses so far. In the '90s buffalo meat was served regularly in the school. The same employees are cooking now, so why is there such an uproar about it now? I think then as now, many of the staff became vegetarian for that meal, and I guess we can do a survey and figure out how it affects meal numbers.

For me personally, as someone who is from both Hindu and Christian background, and who has in the past been non-veg for several years, it does not matter what the meat is as long as it is from a clean and healthy vendor, you either eat or do not eat meat."

Reply #9. "Dear all,

I want you all to know that this appears to be a budgeting decision but it is not.

This issue (from a budgetary perspective) was never discussed with me nor was it ever initiated by me. This was initiated by some students based on a conversation with the head cook in which he had mentioned that chicken was expensive and could not be a part of a specific Menu that they were proposing. This was interpreted to mean that chicken will no longer be served since it is expensive. This assumption is not true.

I am meeting with the appropriate people and will take care of this issue. They are as surprised by all of this as me.

We will not be serving buffalo meat in the Woodstock kitchen.

Thank you for reading and please consider this discussion closed."

And that, non-buffalo eaters, is that!