Why Meatout is for Health Editors

These are heady times for public interest advocates and progressive health and science editors who have been weaning the American people away from the disease-laden meat and dairy fare to a wholesome diet of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains.

Hardly a month passes without a report of another study linking consumption of animal fat and meat with elevated risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and other killer diseases that cripple then kill over a million Americans annually. Estimated costs of associated medical care and lost productivity run as high as $300 billion.

We have witnessed alarming developments:

• Obesity is implicated in 300,000 US deaths and costs the nation $117 billion per year.
• American Heart Association has condemned popular high-protein diets.
• A diet rich in fruits and vegetables substantially reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
• Consumption of dairy products increases the risk of prostate cancer.
• Consumption of meat and dairy products increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 60%.
• USDA is failing to test adequately for 'Mad Cow' disease.
• A hundred feed plants may be spreading the Mad Cow disease.
• Deadly Enterococci bacteria have been found in 3% of pork samples.
• Widespread use of antibiotics by the poultry industry threatens their efficacy for humans.

Meatout Can Help

These developments confer special meaning on the annual observance of the Great American Meatout, the world's oldest and largest annual grassroots diet education campaign.

On and around March 20, caring folks in a 1,000 communities in all 50 states and a host of other countries are welcoming spring with educational events ranging from information tables ('steakouts') and exhibits to classroom presentations, receptions, public dinners, cooking demonstrations, homeless feedings, and elaborate 'lifestivals.' They ask their friends and neighbors to "kick the meat habit this spring and explore a wholesome, nonviolent plant-based diet."

The explosive growth of the Great American Meatout has been due in large measure to the support of consumer advocates, educators, health authorities, and the mass media. Radio and TV networks have interviewed entertainers Casey Kasem, Mary Tyler Moore, James Cromwell, Bill Maher, and other members of the Meatout National Council.

Health editors have carried stories on national trends toward meatless eating, provided delicious, healthful meatless recipes, and covered local Meatout events.

To assist you in covering The Great American Meatout, we have provided links to websites dealing with health and nutrition, and a table of selected events.

Please, contact us at info@meatout.org or 1-800-MEATOUT for any additional questions or to arrange interviews with celebrities, authors, physicians, and activists.

Thank you for your interest in The Great American Meatout!