Since its establishment, the "Hope Classroom" in Tijuana, Mexico, has provided free vegetarian lunches to students, encouraging them to develop healthy eating habits and cultivate compassion. Over the past two years, with the guidance of volunteers, the kitchen team has gradually refined Mexican-style meals, ensuring that students and staff enjoy delicious vegetarian lunches daily. Following a Mother's Day vegetarian cooking demonstration and a "Taiwan Day" event last month, the campus hosted its first vegetarian cooking competition on June 21. Students, parents, teachers, and staff formed five teams, designing menus, preparing ingredients, and showcasing their culinary skills in a collective effort to promote vegetarianism.

Nourishing Minds and Bodies

The cooking competition was a first for the campus, generating excitement among all participants eager to demonstrate their abilities. Tzu Chi volunteer Jorge Carlos shared his personal journey to vegetarianism and highlighted its benefits. "Vegetarianism is not only economical and healthy but also boosts physical energy," he explained. "Encouraging children to learn vegetarian cooking helps improve overall health, reducing public expenditure caused by chronic diseases. It's a beneficial choice for individuals, society, and the government."

A Culinary Challenge for All

During the competition, each team worked collaboratively, chopping vegetables, stir-frying, and plating dishes with organized precision. This not only demonstrated their cooking skills but also fostered a spirit of teamwork. After more than an hour of cooking, all five teams presented their unique vegetarian creations. Volunteers and Maria, a kitchen staff member who usually prepares the students’ daily meals, tasted and judged the dishes, awarding prizes to the top three teams. Maria expressed her gratitude for everyone's dedicated participation and her delight in seeing the vegetarian concept extend from the kitchen into classrooms and homes.

Graciela Sánchez, the principal of Tijuana Tzu Chi Elementary School, shared her perspective: "As the principal of the Tijuana Tzu Chi School, I bear a new mission, one that stems from the new philosophy of Mexican schools: 'Food in educational institutions must be healthy.' Therefore, I have gained new experiences, new challenges, and we will continue to learn."

Transforming Lives Through Food

High school student Antonio noticed a significant increase in his energy levels after incorporating more vegetables and plant-based foods into his diet last year. His positive change also influenced his mother, Guadalupe Zúñiga. Last year, Guadalupe received a free medical consultation at the Hope Classroom, where she learned about her enlarged heart and the need for weight loss. This prompted her entire family to adopt new eating habits.

"I am very happy to participate in the school's cooking competition; it was a wonderful experience," Guadalupe shared gratefully. "The school gave us this opportunity, which allowed me to interact more with my children, prepare meals together, and enjoy the process, while also cultivating a healthy lifestyle. We are changing our eating habits at home to eat healthier. It's worth mentioning that I not only changed myself but also recommended it to my neighbors and family, and it has truly been very beneficial. I am very grateful to Tzu Chi for supporting my children's education and this cooking competition."

Spreading the Message of Health

Alison, a student at the Hope Classroom, focused intently on chopping vegetables during the competition. Participating in the cooking process brought her a sense of inner peace and concentration, and she learned the importance of teamwork. "I hope every mother can try to cook vegetarian meals for their families," she expressed.

As vegetarianism gains increasing recognition in Mexico, the Hope Classroom is actively promoting plant-based education. The aim is to initiate a shift in dietary habits from the school campus, enhancing both physical and mental well-being. According to HappyCow, a renowned vegan search platform, Mexico City made its debut on the "Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Cities of 2025" list, indicating a growing demand for plant-based options in the region. Through a simple lunch and a friendly competition, Tzu Chi gently fosters a cultural transformation in dietary choices.

Written by Mandy Lo (駱淑麗)

Source: 提娃那希望教室素食比賽 學生家長齊上陣