-
The
popular Atkins diet craze has
been discredited by consumer
watchdogs.
-
Mad
Cow disease has surfaced in America,
reducing once again beef consumption.
-
The
vegetarian food market has been
growing at 100 - 125% per year.
-
A
survey found that 20% of teens
think that vegetarianism is "cool."
-
McDonald's
and Burger King have launched
veggie burgers and a leaner menu.
-
Other
major restaurant chains are offering
salad bars and meatless dishes.
-
Major
food manufacturers are marketing
more meat and dairy alternatives.
-
Major
supermarkets are offering more
meat and dairy alternatives.
-
Mainstream
health advocacy organizations
are touting plant-based eating.
-
Several
states are recommending a vegetarian
school lunch option.
-
The
U.S. has the first ever vegan
presidential candidate (Dennis
Kucinich).
The
24th annual observance of the Great
American Meatout on March 20th
is proud of these welcome developments.
Launched in the "dietary dark
ages"
of the 1980s, Meatout has become
the world's largest grassroots diet
education campaign. It has served
as a model for the multimillion-dollar 5
A Day and other mainstream campaigns
advocating increased consumption
of vegetables and fruits.
This
month, caring folks in a thousand communities
in all 50 states and 20 other countries are welcoming
spring by asking their friends and neighbors to "kick
the meat habit and explore a wholesome, nonviolent
diet of vegetables, legumes, fruits, and grains." They
are holding colorful educational
events ranging from information tables ('steakouts')
and exhibits to lectures, public dinners, cooking
demonstrations, homeless feedings, & elaborate
'lifestivals.'
The
explosive growth of the Great
American Meatout has been due
largely to the support of consumer
advocates, health authorities, and
the mass media. Nearly 40 governors
and large city mayors are issuing
Meatout proclamations. Celebrity
entertainers like Casey Kasem, Mary
Tyler Moore, Ed Asner, Jennie Garth,
Bill Maher, Rue McClanahan, and James
Cromwell are headlining the observance.
Hundreds of billboards and bus cards
in ten major metropolitan areas are
carrying the Meatout message. Lifestyle
editors cover local events and carry
celebrity interviews and stories
on national trends toward meatless
eating.
For
more information, please see the links below
or contact:
info@meatout.org;
800-MEATOUT (632-8688).
Thank
you for your interest in Meatout!
