March 20th marks the first day of spring, but for almost four decades, it has also been recognized in many cities throughout the world as a day that encourages people to leave meat off their plates.
Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) launched ‘MeatOut Day’ in 1985to raise awareness of the many benefits associated with a plant-based diet. The organization educates people around the world on how plant-based eating has a positive impact on the environment and farm animals.
New York Cityis one of the latest cities in the United States to proclaim MeatOut Day this year. The move is especially significant since New York City now has its first vegan mayor Eric Adams. Mayor Adams is known for changing the course of his own health by going plant-based.
“As a New Yorker myself, I am particularly proud of this proclamation,” Eric C. Lindstrom, Executive Director of FARM, said in a statement sent to WAN. “The advances Mayor Adams has made toward a plant-based future, and Vegan Fridays in New York City schools, align perfectly with our mission and that of MeatOut.”
New York City joins a growing list of cities recognizing MeatOut Day this weekend and hosting special events. The list includes: Houston and Dallas, Texas; Charlotte and Durham, North Carolina; Columbus, Georgia; Louisville, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio; Madison, Wisconsin; Riverside, California; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Virginia Beach, Virginia.
People everywhere are increasingly shifting to a plant-based diet because of concerns about their own health, the environment, and animal welfare. As noted by FARM, advocates in 700 communities in all 50 states and 24 other countries welcome spring on March 20th with educational events promoting plant-based eating.