Great American Meat Out Day – Mar. 20, 2027

Great American Meat Out Day
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AmericanAwareness
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every March 20
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Great American Meat Out Day encourages Americans to explore plant-based eating every March 20. This initiative, championed by the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM), highlights the health and environmental advantages of reducing meat consumption. Discover delicious vegan recipes, support animal welfare organizations, and embrace sustainable food choices.

Want to sponsor Great American Meat Out Day? Learn how

Expected Great American Meat Out Day Deals

Great American Meat Out Day inspires a shift towards plant-based eating, and while direct ‘deals’ are less common, many brands and organizations offer incentives for participation. Expect promotions from plant-based food companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, offering discounts on their meat alternatives. Vegan restaurants and health food stores, such as Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s, often feature special plant-based menus or product sales. Non-profit organizations like the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) and Mercy For Animals may host virtual events or offer free plant-based starter kits. Look for recipe challenges and educational resources from online communities. We will update this page with confirmed live promotions as March 20 approaches, but we encourage visiting official advocacy sites for ways to get involved.

Platform Guide for Great American Meat Out Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #MeatOutDay. Share your favorite plant-based meals and recipes to inspire others.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #MeatOutDay. Join discussions in vegan community groups and share educational resources.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #MeatOutDay. Share articles on the health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets.

Social Media Tips for Great American Meat Out Day

Individuals

Commit to a 24-hour plant-based challenge: try new vegan recipes, visit a local vegan restaurant, or explore meat alternatives at your grocery store.

Creators

Film a 'day in the life' eating vegan, create a recipe tutorial for a plant-based dish, or interview a local vegan chef about their passion.

Brands

Launch a limited-time plant-based menu item, offer a discount on vegan products, or partner with a local animal welfare charity for a donation drive.

Organizations & Brands for Great American Meat Out Day

  1. Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM)

    Founded in 1976, FARM is a national non-profit organization advocating for animal rights and promoting a vegan lifestyle. They are the primary organizers behind Great American Meat Out Day.

  2. Beyond Meat

    Founded in 2009, Beyond Meat is a Los Angeles-based producer of plant-based meat substitutes. They offer a range of vegan products designed to mimic the taste and texture of animal meat.

  3. Impossible Foods

    Established in 2011, Impossible Foods is a California-based company developing plant-based substitutes for meat and dairy products. Their 'Impossible Burger' is widely available in restaurants and grocery stores.

  4. Mercy For Animals

    Founded in 1999, Mercy For Animals is an international non-profit organization dedicated to preventing cruelty to farmed animals and promoting compassionate food choices. They conduct investigations and advocate for policy changes.

  5. Daiya Foods

    Founded in 2008 in Vancouver, Canada, Daiya Foods specializes in plant-based dairy alternatives. They produce vegan cheeses, yogurts, and desserts, catering to those with dietary restrictions or ethical preferences.

  6. Miyoko's Kitchen

    Founded by Miyoko Schinner, Miyoko's Kitchen creates award-winning, artisanal plant-based cheeses and butters. The company is known for its high-quality, chef-driven vegan dairy products.

  7. Vegetarian Resource Group

    Founded in 1980, the Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) is a non-profit organization that educates the public on vegetarianism and veganism. They publish 'Vegetarian Journal' and offer extensive resources on plant-based living.

Great American Meat Out Day Hero

Alex Hershaft

Alex Hershaft is a Holocaust survivor and co-founder of the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM). He initiated the Great American Meatout Day in 1985, drawing parallels between the oppression of Jews during the Holocaust and the exploitation of animals in factory farming. His tireless advocacy has been instrumental in raising awareness for animal rights and promoting a vegan lifestyle.

History of Great American Meat Out Day

The Great American Meatout Day is a pro-vegan holiday that has been championed by the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) since 1985. This holiday aims to sensitize members of the public as to the environmental risks of regarding meat as such a high-demand food option, particularly as much of that meat is from farm animals. The Farm Animal Rights Movement is an international nonprofit organization working to promote a vegetarian lifestyle and the protection of animal rights through public education and sensitization.

The FARM seeks to ensure a society where animals are free from all forms of human exploitation, including, and particularly, food. The organization has a mission to prevent and protect the largest number of animals from being bred, abused, and slaughtered for food, as this accounts for 98% of all animal abuse and slaughter. FARM was established in 1976 as the Vegetarian Information Service which aimed at distributing information on the benefits of a vegetarian diet. It would then change identities again five years later in 1981 when it became the Farm Animal Reform Movement.

Great American Meatout was launched in 1985 in protest of the U.S. Senate resolution’s proclamation of National Meat Week. It has since grown into one of the world’s largest annual grassroots diet education campaigns. The March 20 date of the holiday is also the first day of spring, and as such, is symbolic of an opportunity to start a new chapter. The occasion is observed each year by hundreds of activists in the U.S. and 24 other countries. FARM encourages people to ditch the meat lifestyle and take the opportunity of the first day of spring to begin their vegan or vegetarian journey.

Great American Meat Out Day timeline

9th Century B.C.
Earliest Record of Vegetarianism

The earliest record of vegetarianism is in this century.

July 1, 1934
Alex Hershaft is Born

Alex Hershaft, the co-founder of FARM, is born on July 1.

1976
FARM is Established

The Farm Animal Rights Movement is established.

1985
Inaugural Great American Meatout Day

The first-ever Great American Meatout Day is established.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Great American Meat Out Day

Local businesses can actively participate in Great American Meat Out Day by showcasing plant-based options and educating customers. Restaurants can feature special vegan menus or offer discounts on existing plant-based dishes. Grocery stores can create prominent displays for meat alternatives, fresh produce, and vegan pantry staples, perhaps offering tasting samples. Health and wellness centers might host workshops on plant-based nutrition or cooking classes. Even non-food businesses can share information about the day’s mission through social media or in-store signage, encouraging a broader conversation about sustainable eating.

Great American Meat Out Day FAQs

When is Great American Meat Out Day?

In 2027, Great American Meat Out Day is observed on Saturday, March 20. This annual event encourages individuals to try a meat-free diet for a full 24 hours.

What is the purpose of Great American Meat Out Day?

Primarily championed by the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM), the observance seeks to sensitize the public to the impacts of animal agriculture. It promotes the idea that plant-based food sources are a sustainable and humane alternative.

How many people participate in Meat Out Day?

The Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) estimates that over 100 million people have been educated or influenced by the campaign. This includes individuals who commit to a full day of plant-based eating, as well as those who simply learn more about the movement’s goals.

Is Great American Meat Out Day related to other vegan initiatives?

While independently organized by FARM, Great American Meat Out Day shares common goals with broader vegan and vegetarian advocacy efforts. It serves as a specific annual call to action within the larger movement towards sustainable and ethical food systems.

How to Observe Great American Meat Out Day

  1. Eat a vegan meal

    In celebration of the Great American Meatout, it would be a reasonable option to eat vegan. You may just enjoy it!

  2. Donate to FARM

    You should donate to the Farm Animals Rights Movement to show solidarity for the work they are doing. Any amount helps.

  3. Post on social media

    Whether it’s a picture of you eating a vegan meal, or sharing facts about vegetarianism, be sure to post something on social media and use relevant hashtags! Start an online conversation on this day.

5 Interesting Facts About Vegetarianism

  1. It’s healthy

    Going vegan is one of the best things a person can do for their health.

  2. It’s environmentally safe

    By consuming more plant-based food, we ensure the ecological balance and keep the environment safe.

  3. The term ‘vegan’ was introduced in 1944

    The term ‘vegan’ was first coined by Donald Watson in 1944 after he founded the Vegan Society.

  4. Plant-based diets aid metabolism

    It has been said that eating plant-based foods increases body metabolism.

  5. Going vegan saves 30 animals a year

    For every year of your vegan journey, you save the lives of 30 animals.

Why Great American Meat Out Day is Important

  1. It promotes a good cause

    The Great American Meatout promotes a good cause. It promotes the protection of the environment and the preservation of animal lives.

  2. Eating vegan is eating healthy

    There are theories with proven results that individuals who consume more plant-based foods are healthier than those who do not. We love being healthy!

  3. It is cancer-proof

    Cancer is one of the most notorious killers out there. The good news for vegans is that veganism greatly reduces the risk of having cancer drastically.

Great American Meat Out Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 March 20 Saturday
2028 March 20 Monday
2029 March 20 Tuesday
2030 March 20 Wednesday
2031 March 20 Thursday