West Hollywood Implements Plant-Based Default for City Events

West Hollywood has implemented a new policy requiring plant-based food and beverages to be served by default at city events and meetings, with animal products available only upon request. Vice Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers led the initiative, aiming to promote sustainable and compassionate food choices while addressing environmental concerns, particularly regarding the harmful impacts of the factory farming industry. The decision received praise from Mercy For Animals, an advocacy group working towards a shift to a plant-based food system, as well as support from other organizations and community volunteers.

This policy follows a similar initiative by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors earlier this year to incorporate more plant-based foods in county-run facilities, highlighting a larger effort to promote environmental sustainability through dietary changes. Mercy For Animals continues to advocate for ending industrial animal agriculture and promoting a sustainable food system, working with local governments to reflect the shift towards plant-based diets in public purchasing decisions.