Mark Your Calendar: US VegWeek 2014 Kicks Off April 21!

There are 52 weeks in a year — why not make at least one of them meat-free?

Now in its sixth year, US VegWeek (April 21-27) motivates and inspires thousands of people from coast to coast to explore a variety of meat-free foods and discover the many benefits of vegetarian eating—for our health, the planet, and animals. Last year’s celebration proved to be such a success  — read how COK’s campaign is changing many hearts and minds — that we’re excited to expand our efforts this year.

Kicking off on Meatless Monday and the day before Earth Day, you can join the fun along with thousands of others  — including elected officials and community leaders — by pledging to choose vegetarian foods for at least seven days from April 21 – 27.

It’s easy: simply sign up now to take our 7-Day VegPledge and you’ll get a FREE Vegetarian Starter Pack loaded with recipes and product coupons. During VegWeek, you can also choose to get daily e-mails filled with meal ideas, tips, recipes, and more.

Already vegetarian? Great! How about pledging to go vegan. And because there is strength in numbers, ask your friends and family to pledge, too — the best recruiters are eligible for amazing prizes, from free veg products to vegan cookbooks!

Looking for even more ways to get involved? Host a US VegWeek event in your community, such as a potluck, bake sale, cooking demo, or movie screening. Or, encourage your local restaurants to offer a US VegWeek special, such as adding a new vegan option for the week. Not sure how to begin? Don’t worry, we’ve made a special US VegWeek Toolkit including ideas, guidance, and templates to help you plan and promote your events and engage in outreach.

Compassion Over Killing launched VegWeek in 2009 in Takoma Park, Maryland (our hometown) thanks to the inspiration of MD Senator Jamie Raskin. Sen. Raskin was the first person to sign up for our 7-day Veg Pledge—a pledge he’s kept to this day—and VegWeek was officially recognized through a Mayoral Proclamation. Energized by his new vegetarian diet, which he refers to as “aligning my morals with my menu,” Sen. Raskin has since helped COK expand this campaign into a nationwide effort. Check out our “Best of US VegWeek” photo albums from 2012 and 2013!

One of the best ways each of us can help protect the planet, animals, and our health is by choosing meat-, egg-, and dairy-free foods. Get started today by visiting USVegWeek.com!

Thanks to our generous sponsors for supporting US VegWeek 2014: