Mayor Brandon M. Scott encourages everyone to try plant-based options this January.
In a historic move, Baltimore, Maryland, proudly proclaims January as the official month of Veganuary, setting a precedent for cities nationwide to embrace a plant-based lifestyle. The groundbreaking declaration, supported by Black Veg Society and Veganuary, with backing from DefaultVeg, underscores the city’s commitment to fostering resilient, sustainable, and healthy communities.
Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s Call to Action
Mayor Brandon M. Scott spearheads this initiative, urging residents, restaurants, retailers, and institutions to explore and incorporate plant-based options by default throughout January. The proclamation emphasizes the multifaceted benefits, citing environmental conservation, improved health, economic growth, and animal protection as key reasons for embracing Veganuary.
Mayor Scott highlights the urgent need to shift toward plant-forward eating to combat the adverse effects of climate change. Pointing out the alarming prevalence of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes in Baltimore and beyond, he notes that adopting a vegan lifestyle can significantly reduce health risks. The proclamation draws attention to the inhumane conditions of animals in factory farms and applauds Baltimore’s diverse culinary landscape for increasingly offering vibrant and healthy plant-based options.
Plant-Based Soul Food from The Land of Kush Courtesy of The Land of Kush
Veganuary’s Growing Influence
Baltimore’s commitment to Veganuary is not merely symbolic; it reflects a tangible shift in dietary preferences. In 2023, the city ranked among the top 10 in the nation for Veganuary sign-ups, showcasing a rising interest in plant-based living. With 71% of US adults expressing a desire to consume more vegetables in 2024, Veganuary collaborates with brands and restaurants nationwide to meet this demand through innovative meat and dairy alternatives.
Local Initiatives: The Land of Kush and &Pizza Lead the Way
Local favorites like The Land of Kush kickstarted Veganuary with an anniversary celebration, featuring specials, new menu items, and artistic unveilings. &Pizza joins the movement by introducing two vegan menu options with Daring Chicken, setting an example for other establishments citywide.
Naijha Wright-Brown of Black Veg Society and The Land of Kush, said, “Black Veg Society and Maryland Vegan Eats are looking forward to this collaboration with Veganuary. With Baltimore Mayor Scott’s proclamation, I’m sending many blessings that the city will pledge to go vegan in January and support local vegan and veg-friendly restaurants, as well as those around the state of Maryland. You can even challenge yourself to learn how to cook a healthy, vegan meal at home by watching a cooking demo online. Please reach out to us for guidance. We need to open the dialogue throughout our communities about health disparities, access to nutritional foods, environmentalism, and compassion for animals, especially in predominantly BIPOC ones. We will continue to partner with vegan and veg-friendly restaurants while organizing our celebratory events such as the bi-annual Maryland Vegan Restaurant Month in March and August, the annual Vegan SoulFest, and more.”
Plant-Based Soul Food from The Land of Kush Courtesy of The Land of Kush
Veganuary’s Comprehensive Approach
Veganuary, a global campaign, aims to support those curious about veganism with free recipes, shopping tips, restaurant guides, and meal plans. The organization collaborates with major brands, retailers, and restaurants, offering promotions and specialized marketing campaigns for plant-based products. Their Business Support Toolkit assists establishments in launching and promoting Veganuary specials and initiatives. Visit Veganuary.com to learn more.
