A new decision passed in Berkeley, California this week, requires local prisons and public buildings to begin offering a vegetarian meal option, as the city will also be required to drastically reduce spending on animal products over the next few years.
The Berkeley City Council has voted to formally require that city buildings and events offer a range of plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains, according to The Hill.
Under the resolution, council members also said they would cut half of the city's spending on animal products such as meat and dairy by 2024.
The measure, issued by Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arregoen and Councilwoman Sophie Hahn, also says the city council will review plans on whether the city can achieve 100% vegetarian food sources by 2022, a goal of the Berkeley-based animal rights group. she has.
Almira Tanner, director of the animal rights group, told the Daily Californian this week that the decision was the result of more than a year of "back and forth" negotiations between activists and council members.
"This is something we all agree on, try not to hurt others, try to help them instead," Tanner told the local news agency. "Today's decision is a powerful statement that affirms the inner voice of respected people of conscience."
According to the Associated Press, the city's mayor is expected to report by next summer on the possibility of the logistically progressive city offering only plant-based options.
Berkeley has been a pioneer in calling for resolutions aimed at combating the effects of climate change and promoting sustainable food consumption practices. The new resolution argues that efforts to reduce meat and dairy consumption can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from animal product production.
In 2018, the city council passed a resolution making Berkeley the first city in the country to begin "Green Mondays," where only vegetarian foods are served at city events and meetings on the first day of the week.
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