MEATOUT KICKS OFF SPRING IN ALL 50 STATES & 31 OTHER COUNTRIES

This week, a thousand communities throughout all 50 states and 31 other countries are welcoming spring with colorful educational events (details at www.meatout.org/events). Activities range from information tables, exhibits, and lectures to cooking demonstrations, receptions, and elaborate festivals. Visitors pledge to “kick the meat habit on March 20th (first day of spring), and to explore a healthful, nonviolent, diet of vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes.” Those who sign the pledge receive a free Veg Starter Guide and subscription to the popular Meatout Mondays e-mail newsletter.

The occasion is the 25th anniversary of the Great American Meatout, world’s largest annual grassroots diet education campaign. This year, Meatout is inspiring compassion for people, animals, and the environment with the inspiring slogan: "Eat for Life – Live Vegan!"

The nation’s capital is featuring a Meatout “Feed-in for Peace," educating tens of thousands of attendees at a massive peace rally about a non-violent diet with literature, signs, Tofurky sandwiches, and other vegan goodies.

The Seattle VegFest is expecting to draw thousands of visitors. Other festivals are taking place in Atlanta, Brooklyn, Dallas, Detroit, and several other cities. They feature live bands, speakers, exhibits, video screenings, health screenings, food vendors, cooking demonstrations, vegan food samples, and games.

In Boston, the "Barnyard Trio" of people in animal costumes dressed as "Courageous Chicken," "Cuddly Cow," and "Precious Pig" are hitting the streets to educate the public. In the style of a 60’s sit-in, Philadelphia folks are putting on a Meatout “Veg-In” complete with a cooking class and art project. Seattle is hosting a bike ride across the city.

Eighty-five universities are hosting activities on campus such as exhibits, information tables, video screenings, and/or a vegan cafeteria line. Elementary, middle, and high schools are also taking part, showing videos, hosting special Meatout presentations, and giving out vegan food samples to educate students about the benefits of a plant-based diet. A teacher in Pembroke Pines, FL is introducing preschoolers to veganism.

Food manufacturers and retailers are supporting this year’s observance by supplying samples of their vegan products. More than 175 health food stores and restaurants throughout the U.S. are hosting Meatout displays and offering special discounts.

Hundreds of bus cards, billboards, and letters to the editor carry the Meatout message to millions. Brand new Meatout TV ads are scheduled to run on cable channels.

Proclamations urging citizens to explore a wholesome, nonviolent diet of vegetables, fruits, and grains were issued by the governors of Connecticut and New Hampshire and the mayors of Baltimore, Cleveland, Honolulu, Houston, Kansas City, Sacramento, and San Antonio. Visit www.meatout.org/media/proclamations.htm for a complete listing.

Meatout 2010 has a record 31 other participating countries! France, Germany, and Italy maintain their own Meatout websites complete with events and resources. Other countries taking part in this year’s observance include Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Israel, Mauritius, Mexico, Nigeria, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, and Venezuela.

Please visit the special Media page featuring events, recipes, and more at www.meatout.org/media.

 

The global Meatout observances are coordinated by FARM, a U.S. nonprofit public-interest organization. Individual events are conducted by local consumer and animal protection groups.

www.Meatout.org 800-MEATOUT 10101 Ashburton Lane Bethesda, MD 20817