The City of Berkeley Will Now Serve Vegan Meals at Public Events and City Buildings

The City of Berkeley recently approved an ordinance to serve vegan meals at public events and city buildings in an effort to cut down on spending on animal-based products. This means that vegan options, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, will now be available at events, jails, senior centers, and other city buildings. While the ordinance does not apply to schools, it represents a significant step towards promoting plant-based options in public spaces.

The initiative was brought forth by the Berkeley-based animal rights group Direct Action Everywhere, with support from the city's Mayor, Jesse Arreguín. While the group initially proposed for the city to serve 100% plant-based food, city officials opted for a more gradual shift, with plans to reduce spending on animal-based products by half by the end of 2024. This move is in line with Berkeley's history of progressive environmental efforts, such as implementing a trash recycling program in the 1970s and banning natural gas lines from new buildings in 2019. Direct Action Everywhere hopes to see similar ordinances passed in other major cities to further promote plant-based options and combat climate change.