The Great American Meatout

Even though the meat industry has been exposed (see "The Meatrix") and more people have learned the benefits of a vegetarian diet, the challenge to convert regular meat-eaters still remains. So, be a spokesperson for the lifestyle! You can spread the word about vegetarianism very easily with the help of FARM (Farm Animal Reform Movement), a national nonprofit committed to educating the public about vegetarianism and the humane treatment of animals on grassroots level.

Every year, FARM hosts the Great American Meatout, an international, web-based campaign observed on the first day of spring. It is a day that recognizes the benefits of a nonviolent, plant-based diet and the thousands of meatless alternatives available at most grocery stores. People are encouraged to abstain from meat and to instead consider plant-based alternatives. Since its creation in 1985, the campaign has grown to become the leading global diet-education movement.

So how do you get involved? Host an event! Meatout lists plenty of easy, creative event ideas on their website, www.meatout.org and even supplies a list of food companies that would be more than happy to donate samples to your gathering. These types of events are simple to arrange and really are a good way to expose others to the vegetarian way of life.

The most popular event idea is the “steakout”, where you and a couple of friends set up a table at a busy location with some literature and food samples to hand out to passersby. If that’s not your style, put together a presentation! The only things you need are a qualified speaker, an informative video (available on the website also), and a place to host it. Want to get physical? Organize a Meatout Walk! These are great fundraising events that are usually about 2-5 miles long and take up to 90 minutes.

Another great idea is to host a “workplace feed-in” where you provide your school or work’s cafeteria with vegetarian options. If putting an event together is too time-consuming for you, you can always support the movement by placing an ad in your local newspaper or even sponsor a billboard. Clearly, there are many ways to spread awareness about vegetarianism. No effort is too big or too small; the key is to get people thinking!

The voice of Meatout is not only heard on this one day, but continues throughout the year through the Meatout Monday initiative. This program carries the same basic fundamentals as the Great American Meatout and serves as an inspiration to further continue and practice the movement, keeping the spirit alive week by week!

Look for Fantastic Foods at the next Great American Meatout!