Environmental Health

Takoma Park Veg Week

To publicly recognize the substantial environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production, and to encourage residents to choose climate friendlier foods.

Topic Areas Addressed:

Environmental Health

Keywords:

vegetarianism, Maryland, mayoral proclamation, food, takoma park

Submitting Jurisdiction:

City of Takoma Park, MD

In April 2009, Takoma Park Mayor Bruce Williams issued a Mayoral Proclamation noting the substantive environmental, health, and animal welfare benefits of reduced meat consumption, and designating April 24-30, 2009 as Takoma Park Veg Week. The Proclamation urges residents to participate by choosing vegetarian foods, and praises and thanks participating organizations, restaurants and grocery stores.

Public Outreach and Education:

A website, www.TakomaVegWeek.com, was established to highlight participating eateries, and to provide information about the environmental and health benefits of vegetarian eating. Over 75 people attended the Takoma Park Veg Week kick-off party on April 24, 2009, hosted at the Takoma Business Center. Attendees sampled free vegetarian cuisine donated by two local businesses, and met Senator Jamie Raskin, who publicly endorsed the week-long celebration and pledged to go vegetarian for the week. Senator Raskin was joined by Maryland State Delegate Tom Hucker and Takoma Park City Councilmember Dan Robinson as signatories to the pledge.

Several Takoma Park businesses, including local restaurants and grocery stores, signed on as sponsors of Takoma Park Veg Week and proudly displayed free vegetarian materials including the D.C. dining guide, the Vegetarian Starter Guide and a poster promoting the week-long celebration. Local media outlets covered the event.

Target Audience:

Residents, restaurants, grocery stores