Foodservice

Meatless Monday is a global movement designed to help people around the world eat more fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods. Cutting out meat one day per week benefits personal health and the health of the planet, while also creating an incentive to try new ingredients, dishes, and cuisines. By including Meatless Monday programming, foodservice providers can better accommodate the growing interest in plant-based options and help their organization reach or maintain their wellness and sustainability goals.

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How to get started: 

  1. Gain key stakeholder support: Demand for plant-based foods continues to grow. Review our benefits fact sheet to learn how a Meatless Monday program can help support the health, wellness, and sustainability goals of your organization. Use our sample outreach letter to secure leadership support.  
  2. Set goals: Define what criteria would make Meatless Monday a success. For example, adding new plant-based dishes every Monday, reducing overall meat purchases by 25%, or including at least one plant-based option every day.  
  3. Organize the team: Set your start date and create a timeline, including recipe testing, staff training, procurement, and marketing. Create a menu using these popular meatless dishes for inspiration, or make plant-based versions of your bestselling menu items by working with a nutritionist or wellness team member. Use these training tips to teach your staff the advantages of a Meatless Monday program and review suggested menu terminology and best practices to ensure success. Additional operational and best practices resources can be found here.  

  4. Raise awareness: Promoting Meatless Monday before and during the program will help raise awareness and participation. Utilize marketing materials, like printable posters and table tents, social media assets, and newsletter copy to help generate interest and buzz. Connect with marketing, public relations, human resources, or sustainability and wellness teams to help promote any upcoming events.    
  5. Trial and assessment: Run a short pilot program and revise based on what you learn. Involve members of your organization in the process through menu taste tests, communications, and program surveys.  

  6. Launch: Announce the launch of Meatless Monday via e-newsletter, social media, or any other affiliated communication channels, using our sample launch email. Host a kick-off event and keep up weekly reminders to promote new dishes throughout the program. Keep up the momentum by using the Get Started with Meatless Monday 12-Week Campaign.