Program overview: In 2023, SLR, a large, global consulting firm, implemented a New Year’s healthy eating program using Meatless Monday to highlight the environmental benefits of plant-based eating and reducing meat consumption.
Objective: Show employees how individual food choices can impact personal health and the health of the planet, providing an easy-to-follow program that helps employees prepare plant-based meals.
Process: Employees were encouraged to sign up for a 12-week Meatless Monday Challenge, which provided weekly plant-based recipes, culinary tips, and information on the environmental and health benefits of eating less meat.
Outcome: The program was a success based on ease of use, participation, and survey results. The firm continued to promote a similar Meatless Monday Challenge the following year in 2024.
The firm leveraged the beginning of the year when many people make healthy New Year’s resolutions to bring attention to how individuals can make specific lifestyle changes to help preserve the planet and kick off healthy eating habits. Food production, especially industrial livestock production, is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. Unfortunately, the connection between what people eat and the health of the environment is often overlooked.
SLR’s Meatless Monday Challenge was promoted to hundreds of employees. The program, led by the human resources employee engagement team as part of their internal environmental efforts, consisted of a company-wide challenge from January through March. After signing up for the 12-week program, participants were provided with weekly plant-based recipes, culinary tips, and information on the environmental and health benefits of meat reduction, and they were encouraged to go meatless on Monday. The organizing team also provided prizes and incentives for participation.
“The Meatless Monday Challenge was a great way to introduce SLR employees to plant-based foods. The ready-to-use program inspired SLR team members to kick-off the new year with their colleagues and families and helped them learn more about the environmental benefits of plant-based eating,” said Pamela Harris, Talent & Organizational Development manager at SLR
A survey taken before and after the Meatless Monday Challenge showed participants became more aware of the benefits of plant-based eating for their health and the health of the planet. As a result of this successful program, the company continues to promote the Meatless Monday Challenge each year.
