With more than 400,000 global pledges to go vegan, Veganuary set a global record this year.
In January, nearly half a million people from around the world signed up to go vegan for the month through Veganuary—a non-profit organization that encourages people across the globe to go vegan for January and beyond. This is a huge increase from the 250,000 who pledged in 2019, and the organization’s original 2020 target goal of 350,000.
As its first official year in the U.S., about 50,000 people in the states signed up for Veganuary thanks to the organization's partnerships with several brands, restaurants, and retailers, including Hellmann’s, Tofurky, Follow Your Heart, Giant Eagle, Just Salad, and more, who offered promos, giveaways, and special menu items to honor the growing demand for plant-based products. New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Dallas were the top five cities in the U.S. to receive Veganuary pledges.
Veganuary’s U.S. Director Wendy Matthews believes the organization's refreshing approach, focused on making veganism enjoyable and easily accessible was a major part of the positive response from Americans.
“The response to Veganuary in the US has been overwhelmingly positive! So many Americans are curious about plant-based foods, especially with the climate crisis looming, and the food service industry is responding to that growing demand,” said Matthews. “Restaurants from coast to coast offered Veganuary specials this year to capitalize on an expanding audience seeking vegan options. With the incredible buzz generated around Veganuary this year, I expect we’ll see an explosion of brands, restaurants, and retailers planning exciting vegan product launches for January 2021.”
While the traditional January challenge is now over, you can still sign up to participate via their website. The pledge and vegan resources are always available, and those who sign up receive daily recipes and support messages.
RELATED: UK-Based Nonprofit Veganuary Comes to the US This January
Want even more vegan news, food, and lifestyle content? Subscribe to VegOut LA Magazine or VegOut NYC Magazine!
