Hot Topics: Meatless Mondays

This week, I learned of the “Meatless Monday” movement.  As a vegetarian, I have been unknowingly supporting this movement for quite sometime... but was unaware that many others, specifically American omnivores, were purposefully eliminating meat from their monday meals.   Meatless Mondays was first introduced during World War I, when the country was attempt to ration their food supplies (wheat products were also a part of the rationing program, they had off on Wednesdays).  Makes sense... during WWI... but today, we have too much meat and wheat, so why Meatless Mondays in 2010?  Current Day, Meatless Mondays was relaunched by animal welfare activist and environmentalists, in hopes that giving up meat one day a week (a 15% reduction overall) would lower saturated fat intake, inspire healthy food awareness, and improve overall personal health.  Additionally, there are arguments that the health of our planet would benefit from the movement... "Meat is a wasteful use of water and creates a lot of greenhouse gases. It puts enormous pressure on the world's resources. A vegetarian diet is better." stated U.K. climate chief Lord Stern.  There are also studies that found livestock production is producing more greenhouse gases that some forms of automated transportation.

With all these reasons as support, the relaunch of Meatless Mondays officially began in 2003.  The movement has encouraged many individuals to take action within their own home-cooked meals, but the impact has spread to food service systems and restaurants.  In October, the Baltimore Department of Education, has implemented Meatless Monday by serving entirely meatless breakfasts and lunches in their school cafeterias.  Quite a feat since Baltimore schools serve over 82,000 students on a daily basis.  In addition to schools, 32 hospitals have agreed to reduce their meat purchases by 20%, and bulk up on vegetable menu items.  The movement has also captured the attention of well-known chefs.  This month, Mario Batali, announced at all 14 of his restaurants will have two vegetarian entree options on Mondays.

When the goal is to reduce the consumption of meat by 15%... I thought... well someone out there must be fuming about this, I wondering what the cow, pig, and chicken farmers were thinking.  Although, I could not find anything publicly against the movement (with the exception of a few public rants by Glenn Beck”) there is speculation that there maybe some counterattacks, probably in the form of TV and magazine advertisements that resemble the past “Beef. It is what’s for dinner.” or “Pork, It’s the other white meat.” campaigns.  I wonder if the movement could really be stopped, or even slowed, especially now that many are trying to play their part in fighting global warming and obesity.  The groups that are participating in Meatless Mondays, most have not given up and rate their programs as being successful. It’ll be interesting to see what other programs, institutes, or restaurants/chefs will join in. If you are interested to find out more, check out the official website at www.meatlessmonday.com .