Xanterra Travel Collection, a foodservice provider at major US national parks, is committing to making its menu 50 percent plant-based by the end of 2026. This initiative, in partnership with nonprofit Mercy For Animals, aims to increase sustainability and inclusivity in the meals served to the three million visitors annually at parks like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Park.

The plant-based pledge is one of the largest in the public tourism sector, with some of the most-visited national parks such as Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, and Glacier included. Offering more plant-based options not only caters to the 6 percent of the population who are vegetarian and the 4 percent following a plant-based diet but also makes menus more inclusive for the 33 million people in the US with food allergies and up to 50 million Americans who are lactose intolerant.

By reducing the amount of meat and dairy on the menu, Xanterra is also significantly decreasing the environmental impact of national park operations, as animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The commitment to increase plant-based options demonstrates a move towards a more compassionate and sustainable food system, and Mercy For Animals will continue working with Xanterra as it implements this historic policy.