Independence From Meat This July 4th
Press release: July 1998

Baseball. . .Veggie dogs. . .Apple Pie . . .and Fourth of July? The idea of a backyard barbecue without meat might sound a bit unusual. But this year thousands across the country will be grilling hot dogs and burgers of a different type - veggie style. And as revelers enjoy delicious veggie fare they’ll also be celebrating their independence from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and a host of other conditions associated with the standard high-fat, meat-based American diet. It’s all part of the "Independence from Meat" cookouts to be sponsored by local EarthSave chapters in conjunction with Gardenburger, Inc. around the country.

Why a 'veggie barbecue?'

The research is mounting connecting the foods we eat to many of the health problems confronting people today. And the word is out that a shift toward a diet centered around plant foods-- like fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes-- is not only good for people but also helps the planet. According to the American Dietetic Association, a reasonable body of scientific data suggests positive relationships between meatless diets and risk reduction for several chronic degenerative diseases and conditions, including obesity, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and some types of cancer.

It's catching on

Consumers are responding to the news and enjoying veggie-fare with new delight:

• One recent study by New York-based consulting firm Datamonitor showed that sales of frozen meat substitute products grew at a compound annual growth rate of 49.5 percent between 1992 and 1996.

• According to Newsweek Magazine, 54 percent of Americans say they are less likely to buy hamburger at fast-food restaurants, and 41 percent say they’re less likely to buy it at a grocery store because of E. coli outbreaks.

• According to Vegetarian Times, 46 percent of Americans (120 million people) are reducing their meat consumption. A study by Healthfocus in Des Moines, Iowa, found that 26 percent of those surveyed are "vegetarian aware," meaning they usually maintain a vegetarian diet.

• Sales of imitation meat products are up 17 percent from Aug. 1996 to Aug. 1997 - A.C. Nielsen, total U.S. dollar volume for the 12 weeks ending Aug. 2, 1997.

• According to a 1996 National Restaurant Association Survey, 29 percent of consumers would prefer to have more vegetarian options on restaurant menus.

• Burger advertising has hit the TV waves, with Gardenburger launching a campaign during the "Seinfeld" finale.

• Four McDonald’s franchises are testing a vegetarian burger in Manhattan.