California Legislators go Meat-free for US VegWeek

There are 52 weeks in a year. Why not make one of them meat-free? That’s the idea behind US VegWeek, a nationwide campaign empowering thousands of people—including California State Senator Ted Lieu—to pledge to choose vegetarian foods for at least seven days as a way to discover the many benefits and flavors of vegetarian eating.                                                                                          

“Healthier living is an idea that sells itself and leads to longer lives and an improved quality of life,” said Calif. Sen. Lieu., who takes the pledge for the fourth year in a row. “As a state policymaker, and father of two, I enthusiastically encourage everyone to participate in US VegWeek by treating themselves to more fresh fruits and vegetables that can lead to a longer, healthier life – and lifestyle.”

California’s active participation in US VegWeek follows in the footsteps of the City of Los Angeles’ issuance of a Meatless Monday resolution last November that encourages residents to go meat-free on Mondays. After the resolution passed, LA’s Unified School District, which serves over 650,000 students a day, implemented a meat-free menu on Mondays in all of its cafeterias.

California Assemblymember Das Williams is also participating in US VegWeek, emphasizing the environmental benefits of eating less meat, “We all need to do our part to reduce our negative impacts on the environment. Even if some people cannot bring themselves to give up meat entirely, it is still possible to reduce pollution and protect the environment by eating less meat.”

The reach of US VegWeek goes far beyond California. Dozens of businesses nationwide—including Loving Hut restaurants in 37 different cities—are also offering US VegWeek specials, and everyone is invited to attend free events such as cooking demos, bake sales, movie screenings, and more.

Compassion Over Killing, a national nonprofit animal protection organization, first launched VegWeek in 2009 with inspiration from Md. Sen. Raskin. He was the first lawmaker to take the 7-day Veg Pledge—a pledge that continued beyond the first week and that he’s kept to this day. Energized by his vegetarian diet, which he refers to as “aligning my morals with my menu,” Sen. Raskin encourages others to make kinder, greener, and healthier food choices.

Sen. Raskin is in good company. Millions of Americans, including former President Bill Clinton, Ellen DeGeneres and Mike Tyson, are opting for meat-free meals. In fact, according to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, meat consumption nationwide has decreased 12% since 2007.

“Every time we sit down to eat, we can stand up for our health, the planet, and animals simply by choosing vegetarian foods,” said COK’s Campaigns Director Jaya Bhumitra. “And US VegWeek offers a fun and supportive way to get started. I’m proud to have my home state take a strong lead in US VegWeek.”

Visit USVegWeek.com for a full list of participants, restaurant specials, events, sponsors, and partners.