Vegan/vegetarian restaurants should open till late
Published:Monday | November 4, 2024 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
The addiction to fast food in Jamaica is becoming harder and harder to digest mentally and visually. At present, there are approximately a dozen different American fast-food chains on the island. The foods served at these restaurants are primarily of the ‘junk food’ variety and undoubtedly are delicious, convenient and fun to eat.
However, such foods, more often than not, contain high levels of cholesterol, sodium and fat. We live in a free-market economy and, as such, there is no problem with the existence of American fast-food restaurant chains operating in Jamaica.
My issue, however, is that there are very few restaurants available in Kingston and other parts of the island after 6 p.m. that offer healthy food alternatives for the discerning eater. While seafood restaurants do exist, there are no vegan or vegetarian drive-through restaurants available between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. As such, vegans and/or vegetarians have very few food options, unlike carnivores.
The Government of Jamaica should offer tax incentives to local businesses who are willing to invest in such entities. Imagine the existence of vegan or vegetarian drive-through restaurants operating up to 10 or 11 p.m., like the fast-food restaurant chains.
The popularisation of vegan or vegetarian fast-food restaurants would be a game changer that would most likely lead to consumers making healthier fast-food choices. This, by extension, will have a positive impact on the overall health and well-being of the Jamaican population.
PATRICK GALLIMORE