7.3 Million American Vegetarians
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I have felt a shift over my lifetime. I have noticed that vegetarianism and veganism is becoming more and more common. From a recent news story:
“Nearly one-quarter of Americans say that they sometimes go meatless at restaurants, reports R&I’s 2008 New American Diner Study. And although only a small percentage of Americans identify themselves as dedicated vegetarians—3.2%, or 7.3 million people, according to a 2008 Harris Interactive poll for Vegetarian Times—the same study finds that 10% of consumers say they largely follow vegetarian-inclined diets and 5% more are “definitely interested” in shifting to vegetarian-based diets in the future.”
(Emphasis added)
What does that tell you? It tells me…
1. We’re making a difference. Those of us who are vocal veggies are being heard. If you blog or if you actively promote veg*nism in anyway, YOU are making a difference.
2. If you’re a restaurateur or a grocer, you’d better meet the needs of vegans.
3. If you’re a closet veggie, you can come out, there are MILLIONS of vegetarians and vegans.
What does it tell you?
There’s more:
Whether they consider themselves vegetarians or not, 24% of consumers say they sometimes order meatless entrées at restaurants, according to R&I’s 2008 New American Diner Study. Which demographic groups are more likely to choose meat-free meals?
Women (30%) more than men (18%)
Gen Y (30%) and Gen X (26%) more than Boomers (22%) and Matures (21%)
Asians (31%) and Hispanics (26%) more than blacks (25%) and whites (23%)
Residents of the Northeast (29%) and West (26%) more than the South (24%) and Midwest (20%)[...]
Improved health is just as strong a motivator as animal welfare among Americans pursuing vegetarian diets, according to 2008 research from Rochester, N.Y.-based Harris Interactive. Following are the top reasons behind consumers’ choices to go meatless:
* Animal welfare: 54%
* Improve overall health: 53%
* Environmental concerns: 47%
* Natural approaches to wellness: 31%
* Weight loss: 25%
* Weight maintenance: 24%
Very encouraging numbers. Interesting to see that more Asians, Hispanics and Blacks choose meat-free than whites. I’ve read another survey that showed similar results. Kind of busts the stereotype that vegetarianism is just a white, middle class thing.
It is encouraging. Since I often get left out, its nice to see more people are thinking about the issue. Sometimes it gets lonely!
Here it is from the meat industry findings: “2008 per capita consumption stands to be at the lowest point in seven years”. And if trends continue through 2009 it will be the lowest in 12 years. I call that progress… We know it’s not going to happen overnight. But clearly the ripple effect (and all our Vegan advocacy) must be making a difference
http://www.meatpoultry.com/news/daily_enews.asp?ArticleID=98633&e=bea.elliott@verizon.net
~ Recent blog post: HAMMING IT UP! Chinese Pig Survives Earthquake – Denmark Pork Chops… not so lucky. ~
Demand for chicken is decreasing, too:
“The industry has never cut production to this degree before, but demand for chicken has never contracted to this degree either,”
from: http://www.meatingplace.com/MembersOnly/webNews/details.aspx?item=10839
Meanwhile, the excess is getting pawned off on children, who will then grow up and increase demand:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/governmentFilingsNews/idUKN2354984020081223?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0
So long as tax payers bail out this failing industry, the market will never work the way it’s supposed to. Decreased demand will never decrease supply. We have to change consumer demand AND legislation. It can’t work if we only change one part of the problem.
(via Tracy: http://diggingthroughthedirt.blogspot.com/2008/12/taxpayers-to-aid-faltering-chicken.html )