The Belgian City of Ghent

Ghent, situated in northern Belgium in the Flemish region where Dutch is spoken, is the first city in the world to officially promote a weekly vegetarian day. The reason for going vegetarian once a week is simple – to promote sustainable and healthy living.

The Thursday Veggie Day, or "Donderdag Veggiedag", as it's known there, was initiated by Ethical Vegetarian Alternative (EVA), Belgium's largest vegetarian organisation. The initiative was backed by city officials, including Labour party Councillor Tom Balthazar, and on Thursday, 14 May 2009, the town took to the streets to enjoy broad-bean falafel, wholegrain bread, aubergine caviar, eggless mayo and pure fruit vitamin cocktails.

People are encouraged to go vegetarian on Thursdays, but nothing is compulsory, as EVA believe that would be counterproductive. Instead, restaurants serve exciting vegetarian options (extending their usual menus), and people are provided with maps so that they know where they can get delicious vegetarian food. In September 2009, city-funded schools started offering a completely vegetarian menu on Thursdays. If pupils do not wish to participate, they can opt out by having their parents write to the school.

Having one set vegetarian day is a clear concept that is much more marketable than asking people to simply eat less meat every day. It also means that people have to make the effort to find alternatives and will get to know the different products and foods available.

More Information
Ethical Vegetarian Alternative (EVA)

Recent News Coverage
BBC News, 12 May 2009
"Belgian City Plans 'Veggie' Days"
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The Guardian, 14 May 2009
"Day of the Lentil Burghers: Ghent Goes Veggie to Lose Weight and Save Planet"
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The Guardian, 16 May 2009
"Can Vegetarians Save the World?"
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