By: Shriya Swaminathan
Ever find it odd when events hosted by animal rescues serve meals laden with animal products? Some even go the extra length to include labels like “humanely raised” or “free-range meat”. It’s safe to say that social justice organizations value the importance of consistency in their ideals. Yet, serving animal products counters these efforts as they reflect the voluntary exploitation of sentient beings. Fortunately, there is a rise in awareness and inclusion of animal rights in discussions of social justice. This presents a valuable opportunity for groups to expand their compassion and positive impact.
Recently, the veteran farmed animal protection group Animal Place Sanctuary launched their Food for Thought program to address the dissonance within the nonprofit space. The campaign team collaborates with groups throughout the social justice spectrum ranging from animal and environmental welfare to human rights organizations, and encourage menu policies that reflect their commitment to “making the world a better place for all — human and nonhuman.”
The dedicated staff on the Food for Thought team centers inclusion and education at the core of their work. Their outreach initiatives include addressing the harmful consequences of animal products that disproportionately affect communities of color and those from lower socioeconomic groups. Often, these are the communities residing near slaughter houses and as a result, exposed to the detrimental health and environmental impacts. Furthermore, the deplorable treatment of slaughterhouse workers cannot be ignored while tackling animal exploitative industries. Encompassing all issues that serving animal products entail brings much clarity to why a vegan menu upholds the stance for justice.
Food for Thought aspires to make an animal-friendly menu policy easily accessible. Free consultations for interested parties, financial aid, vegan product consulting, sample menus, catering resources, and thorough presentations for conferences and meetings are just a few of the plethora of services offered. Their belief is that serving vegan meals at events represents the importance of extending compassion to all animals, the environment, and the many people affected by animal agriculture. By doing so, organizations with noble missions will set an example as committed world humane leaders.
Check out their Website and Instagram page to support this fantastic initiative and get involved in the movement for a happy, just vegan world!
Image Sources: Food for Thought
What a great program! Thank you for sharing!