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Great American Meat Out Day

March 20

Great American Meat Out Day

An environmental advocacy day on March 20 encouraging people to go meat-free for one day to promote the health, environmental, and animal welfare benefits of plant-based diets.

Yearly Date
March 20
Observed in
United States
Category
Health
Subcategory
Nutrition & Diet
Founding Entity

Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM)

First Observed
1985
Origin

Institutional Initiative

The Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM), founded by Alex Hershaft, created Great American Meatout Day in 1985 following a meeting that conceived the event as a grassroots campaign modeled after the Great American Smokeout. It launched on March 20, the first day of spring.

Institutional Record
Holiday Calendar
Last updated February 26, 2026 by the Holiday Calendar Team
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Introduction

Get ready to put your vegetarian skills to the test on Great American Meat Out Day, which falls on March 20 this year! This annual holiday was first observed in 1985 by the Farm Animal Rights Movement and encourages people to try a plant-based diet for a day. It's a great opportunity to explore new and delicious meatless options, while also promoting animal welfare and environmental sustainability. So why not join in on this movement and see how tasty and fulfilling a meat-free lifestyle can be? Your body, the animals, and the planet will thank you for it!

Great American Meat Out Day Timeline

1985
Inception of Meat Out Day
The Farm Animal Rights Movement established the Great American Meat Out Day to promote plant-based diets and animal rights.
1990
Gaining National Recognition
Media entities and national organizations began recognizing and promoting Great American Meat Out Day, spreading its message on broader platforms.
2000
New Millennium, New Approach
Advocates utilized online campaigns to reach more people, promoting recipes and information on veganism and related health benefits.
2005
Increasing Global Awareness
Efforts to promote Great American Meat Out Day expanded to a global scale, with activities and events organized in different countries.
2015
Promotion through Celebrities
Celebrities and influencers began endorsing the cause, bringing heightened attention and increased participation for Great American Meat Out Day.
2020
Magnitude of Digital Impact
As plant-based diets gained popularity, Great American Meat Out Day saw record online engagement, with countless individuals pledging to go meat-free for a day.

How to Celebrate Great American Meat Out Day

1

Try a plant-based meat alternative

On Great American Meat Out Day, challenge yourself to try a plant-based meat alternative. These options are not only better for the environment, but also for your health.

2

Host a vegan BBQ

Gather your friends and family for a vegan BBQ! Grill up some plant-based burgers and hot dogs and show everyone that being vegan doesn't mean sacrificing flavor.

3

Attend a cooking demo

Look for local cooking demos that focus on plant-based meals and attend one on Great American Meat Out Day. You may learn some new recipes and techniques that will inspire you to incorporate more meatless meals into your diet.

4

Educate others on the benefits of a meat-free diet

Take some time to educate your friends and family about the benefits of a meat-free diet on Great American Meat Out Day. Share articles, statistics, and personal experiences to show them why reducing meat consumption is important.

5

Donate to an animal rights organization

On this day, consider donating to an animal rights organization that works to promote a plant-based lifestyle. Your contribution can help make a difference in the lives of animals and the environment.

Why Great American Meat Out Day is Important

A

Promotes a healthy lifestyle

Great American Meat Out Day encourages people to have a meat-free diet, which can lead to various health benefits. By reducing or eliminating meat consumption, individuals can reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity and other health issues.

B

Raises awareness about animal welfare

The consumption of meat often involves the mistreatment of animals in factory farms. Great American Meat Out Day brings attention to this issue and promotes ethical and humane treatment of animals. It encourages people to consider alternative sources of protein that don't involve harming animals.

C

Helps the environment

Meat production has a significant impact on the environment, contributing to deforestation, water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing meat consumption, individuals can help mitigate these negative effects and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations. Plus, it also introduces people to other plant-based sources of protein that are more sustainable for the environment.

Holiday Dates

Year Date Day
2023 Monday
2024 Wednesday
2025 Thursday
2026 Friday
2027 Saturday