The Great American Meatout

This Saturday is the 25th Annual Meatout, the world's largest grassroots diet education campaign. It's also the first day of spring, so while some people are getting ready to dust off their grills, thousands across the U.S. and around the world will be hosting events and sharing information to help friends and neighbors "kick the meat habit (at least for a day)." 

Cutting meat out of your diet isn't exactly a radical concept these days. Whether you're interested in reducing animal suffering and death, improving your health, stopping global warming, saving land or saving money, there's a good excuse for a compassionate diet that fits just about anyone. And trends in mainstream society have been making it easier. Meatless Mondays have been picking up steam in school systems, despite the vocal opposition from the meat industry. Hospitals across the country are taking the Balanced Menu Challenge, serving more meatless meals and making a commitment to a permanent reduction in meat and poultry purchases. Veggie burgers are becoming more common in fast food chains, and major manufacturers are marketing vegetarian and vegan meals.

But for those who haven't taken the leap yet, Meatout is a great chance to give it a shot. If you're already vegetarian, try a vegan diet for a day. If you're already vegan, invite a friend over for dinner. In this one day, some people will realize that kicking the meat habit is easier than they thought. Others may still have doubts about a long-term commitment, but every meat-free meal adds up to make a difference for the animals suffering in factory farms.

Meatout was created by FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement) to promote a compassionate, plant-based diet. Of course, Meatout isn't just about a one-day event. All of the materials and concepts behind the meat-free holiday can, and should, be used year-round.

Just because Meatout falls on a Saturday doesn't mean you can't host a Meatout Snack at work sometime next week. (I love this idea. In most workplace break rooms, people will eat anything that's put out, so it's the perfect place to expose co-workers to new foods.) You can also keep the spirit going by signing up for FARM's Meatout Mondays e-newsletter, which delivers recipes, product suggestions, and other veg info to your inbox every week.

The Meatout website has a great list of resources with the who, what, why, and how of making the transition to a vegetarian or vegetarian diet. Share your favorite resources, tips, and recipes in the comments to help out those who want to participate in The Great American Meatout tomorrow.

Photo credit: Velo Steve