There are 52 weeks in a year—why not make one of them vegetarian and discover new meatless meals? That's the idea behind VegWeek 2011, which kicked off yesterday, April 18. It's a week-long celebration highlighting the benefits of vegetarian eating as a way to protect our health, the planet, and animals. Nearly a dozen elected representatives from the area have signed up by pledging to go vegetarian for 7 days and more than 25 local businesses are offering "VegWeek Specials."
Launched in 2009 by the DC-based non-profit organization Compassion Over Killing, VegWeek started out a as city-wide celebration in Takoma Park, Maryland, garnering the support of Md. Senator Jamie Raskin. After a week of meatless meals, Sen. Raskin never went back and is still vegetarian today. He even helped expand the campaign in 2010 to include the entire state as well as several more lawmakers agreeing to taking the week-long veg pledge. The campaign has grown again this year, to include Virginia and DC, in addition to Maryland.
This is the second year in a row that Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD-4) has pledged to forgo meat for one week. “I look forward to participating in VegWeek again this year to highlight the positive impact vegetarian choices have on the environment, small businesses and local farmers, and also for the important benefits of a healthy lifestyle” says Congresswoman Edwards.
Md. Del. Tom Hucker is signing on for his third year while Va. Del. David Englin (D-45) is participating for the first time.
“I'm pleased to support and participate in the 1st Annual Virginia VegWeek, because if every American ate vegetarian just one day a week, it would be equivalent to taking eight million cars off the road. It's an easy, healthy way to protect our future," says Del. Englin.
Other participants include Va. Del. Patrick Hope, Md. Delegates Aruna MIller, Jon Cardin, and Dan Morhaim, M.D.
There is also city-wide support. DC Mayor Vincent Gray and Takoma Park Mayor Bruce Williams both signed Mayoral Proclamations declaring April 18-24 as VegWeek 2011.
VegWeek wouldn't be complete without food and a party. Over two dozen area businesses—including the award-winning Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats, Bread & Brew, My Little Bistro, Dangerously Delicious Pies, Pete’s Apizza, and Bakeshop—are offering VegWeek Specials. And there's also a Celebration Party on April 21 with special guests Sen. Raskin, Del. Hucker, and Del. Hope.
More details are available at USVegWeek.com.