USDA Removes Meatless Monday Posting

On July 23, the US Department of Agriculture’s Office of Operations posted an online update encouraging USDA employees to take part in a Meatless Monday initiative, promoting the program as “One simple way to reduce your environmental impact.” The campaign presented information from the United Nations Food & Agricultural Organization stating that animal agriculture is “a major source” of carbon emissions and climate change, that it “wastes resources,” and that a vegetarian diet “could have a beneficial impact on a person’s health.” Following complaints from livestock producers and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in particular, a spokesperson said that the USDA “does not endorse Meatless Monday” and noted that the earlier statement was posted without proper clearance.