The U.S. government estimates that 1 in 200 children are vegetarians, according to this AP story. Much of that interest in non-meat diets is prompted by concerns over animal cruelty in slaughterhouses, the article says. One interesting excerpt:

Eating vegetarian can be very healthy ? nutritionists often push kids to eat more fruits and vegetables, of course. For growing children, however, it’s important to get sufficient amounts of protein, vitamins B12 and D, iron, calcium and other important nutrients that most people get from meat, eggs and dairy.

Also, vegetarian diets are not necessarily slimming. Some vegetarian kids cut out meat but fill up on doughnuts, french fries, soda or potato chips, experts said.

This story reminds me of my favorite vegetarian comic, which pokes fun at vegans (who, in theory, believe in using no products derived from animals).