A look inside VegWeek

Monday, April 18 marked the first day of VegWeek, a week-long celebration sponsored by Compassion Over Killing that highlights the many benefits of choosing vegetarian foods for our health, the planet, and animals.

COK first launched VegWeek in Takoma Park in 2009, when Md. Sen. Jamie Raskin pledged to go veg for one week—a pledge he’s kept to this day stating that as a vegetarian, he’s finally “aligning his morals with his menu.” And we’re thrilled and honored that in the past two years, we’ve seen him a number of times at Great Sage—thank you, Senator, for choosing to dine with us!

In 2010, Sen. Raskin used his newfound energy as a vegetarian to help COK expand the campaign to include the entire state of Maryland – and even more elected officials signed on to participate, including Congresswoman Donna Edwards and six other state and local officials.

The support and interest has been so positive that Compassion Over Killing has expanded the campaign once again in 2011 and is now celebrating VegWeek throughout California, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington! With over a dozen elected officials and special guests pledging to go veg, VegWeek offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the many vegetarian options available in and around your area—including those available at Conscious Corner. Even DC Mayor Vincent Gray and Takoma Park Mayor Bruce Williams have signed on by issuing Mayoral Proclamations declaring April 18-24 as VegWeek.

VegWeek is also a great time to encourage friends and family to try vegetarian eating. All they have to do is sign up for the week-long pledge and they’ll receive daily emails with nutritional information, motivational advice, and recipes. Plus, several Maryland, Virginia, and DC-area restaurants are participating by offering VegWeek specials.

What’s more is that COK is hosting a VegWeek Celebration at the Cleveland Park Library in NW, DC on Thurs., April 21! Attendees will feast on delicious food donated by our very own Roots Market— be sure to try some Field Roast, Tofurky, and Gardein— and will hear from several special guests, including Sen. Jamie Raskin, Del. Tom Hucker, and more.

Find out more at USVegWeek.com.