Great American Meatout
The Great American Meatout encourages people to skip meat and explore plant-based alternatives. It highlights the environmental and health benefits of eating less meat and promotes a shift towards more sustainable and compassionate food choices.
Many participants see it as a chance to experience the variety and richness of plant-based meals.
Beyond personal health, this event underscores the environmental importance of reducing meat consumption. Animal farming contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution.
How to Celebrate the Great American Meatout
Choosing plant-based foods, even for a single day, helps reduce this environmental burden. People who join the Meatout movement learn how simple dietary changes can lead to meaningful improvements for the planet and future generations​.
Celebrating Great American Meat Out Day can be fun and creative. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious, there are plenty of ways to join in the festivities. Here are some ideas to get most of the day!
Cook Up a Vegan Feast
Turn your kitchen into a plant-based paradise. Try out new vegan recipes or give a veggie twist to your favorite dishes. Whip up a hearty lentil stew or experiment with tofu tacos. You might surprise yourself with how tasty a meat-free meal can be.
Host a Meat-Free Potluck
Gather friends and family for a potluck, but with a twist—everything must be plant-based. Each guest can bring a vegan dish, creating a spread that will showcase the endless variety of meatless options. It’s a fun way to try new foods and spark conversations about plant-based eating.
Try a Local Vegan Restaurant
Support your local vegan spots by dining out for the day. Many cities have amazing plant-based eateries, offering everything from comfort food to gourmet dining. Even if you’re not fully committed to going vegan, trying something new can be an eye-opener.
Share Your Meat-Out Experience
Go online and share your Great American Meat Out Day meal with the world. Post a picture of your creation or review the dishes you tried.
Social media is a great way to inspire others to try plant-based options, and you might even pick up some new ideas along the way.
Learn About Plant-Based Living
Use this day as a chance to dive deeper into the benefits of plant-based diets. Watch documentaries or read up on how reducing meat helps the environment, animals, and your health. The more you know, the easier it is to make informed choices about what’s on your plate​.
History of the Great American Meatout
The Great American Meat Out Day started in 1985 as a response to the growing awareness of animal rights. It was created by FARM, the Farm Animal Rights Movement, with the goal of encouraging people to give up meat for at least one day. This event aimed to draw attention to the environmental, health, and ethical issues surrounding meat consumption.
Alex Hershaft, a Holocaust survivor and animal rights advocate, co-founded FARM and was instrumental in launching the event.
He wanted to promote plant-based diets and show that people could make a positive impact by choosing alternatives to animal products. The first celebration took place in the United States, but it has since spread internationally.
The event was inspired by the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, which encouraged people to quit smoking.
Similarly, Meat Out Day invites individuals to explore a plant-based lifestyle. Over time, it has grown into one of the largest grassroots campaigns advocating for veganism and vegetarianism worldwide.
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