Written by Shuli Lo
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ariel Tsai
Since its founding, the Classroom of Hope in Tijuana, Mexico, has provided students with free vegetarian lunches, encouraging children to cultivate healthy eating habits and compassion. Over the past two years, under the guidance of Tzu Chi volunteers, the kitchen team has gradually refined the traditional Mexican menu so that students and staff can enjoy delicious vegetarian meals every day.
Following the previous month’s Mother’s Day vegetarian cooking demonstration and Taiwan Day celebration, the campus held its first vegetarian cooking competition on June 21. Students, parents, teachers, and staff formed five teams, each designing their own menu, preparing ingredients, and bringing the necessary tools. Together, they embraced the culinary challenge, showcasing both their creativity and their shared enthusiasm for vegetarianism.
Vegetarian Philosophy Takes Root
This was the first event of its kind ever held at the campus, and every participant was excited, eager to give their best.
At the start, volunteer Jorge Carlos shared his personal experience as a vegetarian and the benefits of plant-based eating: “Vegetarianism is not only affordable and healthy, it also boosts your energy. Encouraging children to learn vegetarian cooking helps improve overall health and reduces public costs spent on treating chronic illnesses. It’s a choice that benefits individuals, society, and the government alike.”
During the competition, each team collaborated to cut vegetables, stir-fry, and arrange the dishes, which not only demonstrated their daily cooking skills but also taught them the spirit of teamwork. After more than an hour of cooking, all five teams finished unique vegetarian dishes. Volunteers and Maria, who cooks in the kitchen, tasted and rated the entries, selecting the top three for awards. Maria thanked everyone for their dedication and was delighted to see vegetarian values taking root in both the classroom and at home.
During the competition, each team works together in an orderly manner, showing off their cooking skills while learning about teamwork. Photo/Shuli Lo
Graciela Sánchez, principal of Tijuana Tzu Chi Elementary School, shared: “I feel entrusted with a new mission, inspired by the educational philosophy of the new schools in Mexico: ‘Food served in schools must be healthy.’ This brings new experiences and new challenges, which we will keep learning together.”
Growing Together as a Family
Antonio, a high school student, began eating more vegetables and plant-based foods last year and soon noticed he felt more energetic. His change also inspired his mother, Guadalupe Zúñiga. After attending a free clinic at the Classroom of Hope last year, she learned she had an enlarged heart and needed to lose weight, so the entire family changed their eating habits.
“I’m very happy to participate in the school’s cooking competition. It’s been a wonderful experience. The school gave us this opportunity, which has allowed me to interact more with my child. We prepared the meal together, enjoying the process, and we are developing a healthy lifestyle as a family. We’re changing our diet at home and eating healthier. I should mention, I haven’t just changed myself, but have also recommended this to my neighbors and relatives. It’s really been a huge benefit,” Guadalupe said.
I am very grateful to Tzu Chi for supporting my child’s studies and for this food competition.
Vegetarian Education from School to Community
During the competition, Alison, a student at the Classroom of Hope, focused intently on chopping vegetables. The cooking experience, she said, brought her a sense of calm and focus, and helped her appreciate the importance of teamwork. “I hope every mother will try cooking vegetarian meals for their families,” she shared.
As vegetarianism gains recognition in Mexico, the Classroom of Hope is actively promoting plant-based education. It hopes to inspire healthier eating habits and better physical and mental well-being, starting with the school community.
According to the well-known vegetarian search platform HappyCow, Mexico City appeared for the first time on the annual “Top 10 Vegetarian-Friendly Cities” list in 2025, reflecting the growing local demand for vegetarian options. Through education, starting with one lunch and one competition, Tzu Chi is gently fostering a shift toward a new food culture.
