Vancouver Goes Meatless Monday
Each and every Monday is a Meatless Monday, but in Vancouver, they want to make it official. That’s why Mayor Gregor Robertson proclaimed Monday, May 15th, as Meatless Monday Day.
In fact, thanks to the efforts of Vancouver Humane Society, Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver, New Westminster and Port Moody have all proclaimed May 15th as the day to celebrate Meatless Monday. And this open invitation extends to all restaurants, school cafeterias and health-minded individuals.
“Every time we sit down to eat, we have the chance to stand up for a kinder, cleaner and healthier community. This is what Meatless Monday is all about and we’re encouraging Metro Vancouver residents to join us on Monday, May 15th in this effort,” said Emily Pickett, VHS’s program coordinator.
Vancouver has long been forward thinking when it comes to reducing meat consumption. They were the first Canadian city to endorse Meatless Monday in 2013. Today, the practice and popularity of Meatless Monday continues to grow. Currently, 10 Vancouver schools are serving a Meatless Monday menu.
Students Lobby for Cafeteria Menu Change
The latest Vancouver school to switch to Meatless Monday is Southerland Secondary in North Vancouver. The foodservice provider, Amaga Foods, worked closely with the school’s Meatless Monday Club to implement the new menu. Among the student’s favorite dishes are Mexican bean burritos, Mediterranean chickpea salad, tofu fried rice and lentil vegetable curry with rice.
Colleges and Restaurants Also Propel Meatless Monday
As it turns out, the Southerland school students were inspired by a meat reduction initiative at nearby Capilano University. The campus is known for holding a 30-day student challenge to encourage healthier habits, such as eating well and saving water and energy – which are all benefits of going Meatless Monday!
Vancouver restaurants are also very supportive of Meatless Monday. Cabrito, a Spanish tapas restaurant, recently introduced a Meatless Monday menu. A local favorite is the $19 sampler of three items – including their popular roasted vegetable sliders.
Meatless Monday Right Where You Live
Do you have any Meatless Monday news to share from your area? We’d love to hear about it. Just drop us a line at [email protected].