By Andi Anderson
PETA’s education division, TeachKind, has proposed a bold change to a Michigan school district’s FFA program—offering $5,000 if the program shifts to plant-based agriculture and ends animal raising for food.
The offer was made in a letter to Rob Pouch, Superintendent of Thornapple Kellogg Schools, after the district began building a new barn facility. TeachKind suggested that the barn and existing hydroponic gardens be used exclusively for growing fruits and vegetables instead of housing animals.
“Students spend months forming deep bonds with the animals they care for in FFA programs before they’re forced to auction off those same animals to a terrifying death at a slaughterhouse,” said Marta Holmberg, PETA Vice President of Youth Programs.
She added that these programs can be emotionally damaging to students and promote harmful attitudes toward animals.
TeachKind’s proposal aligns with growing calls to adopt more sustainable and ethical farming methods. The group argues that raising animals for food contributes heavily to climate change and uses vast amounts of natural resources.
According to United Nations data cited in the letter, moving toward a vegan diet is essential for tackling global environmental challenges.
The proposed $5,000 donation would help expand Thornapple Kellogg’s hydroponic garden program and support infrastructure at the new barn, provided the district fully commits to plant-only agriculture.
TeachKind also offers free teaching materials and support to help schools integrate compassion-based learning into their programs.
The group hopes Thornapple Kellogg Schools will lead the way in showing that the future of farming can be both sustainable and kind.
TeachKind staff are open to discussing the proposal further and are encouraging school officials to adopt what they see as a forward-thinking, compassionate educational path.
Photo Credit: pexels-julia-m-cameron
Categories: Michigan, Education