Odeon, Mars, LNER, Just Eat & Jude’s also among 80 organisations taking part
4th January 2023 — Veganuary – the global pledge to try vegan for 31 days – is thrilled to be working with the Ministry of Defence Veg Network and Civil Service Veg Network to encourage members of the armed forces and all government departments to try vegan this January. Suffolk County Council, NHS Supply Chain: Food, London North East Railway, Odeon Cinemas, Mars Food Europe, Just Eat Takeaway and Jude’s ice cream are also amongst the 80+ organisations joining Veganuary’s Workplace Challenge this month.
In their own words, here are some of the reasons these government organisations and businesses are embracing vegan eating this January.
MOD Veg Network
Squadron Leader Sophie Foxen – Chair of the Ministry of Defence Vegan and Vegetarian Network and Senior Medical Officer
“I’m stoked to be working with the charity Veganuary to increase awareness of the benefits and joy of eating plant-based foods. Signing up to free information, recipes and inspiration is a positive thing anyone can do online this January. In a world where so much is out of our control, this is a fantastic opportunity to feel the fulfilment of eating consciously. It’s unrealistic that everyone will immediately become vegan (although would be a nice Christmas present!), but many people can make small switches, such as meat free Mondays, have half beans half meat in their chilli, switch a bottle of cow’s milk a week to a substitute like oat, pea or soy.
Some people are surprised that I’m in the military and I am vegan. I believe that well thought out principles are fundamental to being a force for good. If we do not strive for a more ethical world, what are we fighting for?
I’m a vegan and I want to protect animals. I’m a GP and I want to protect people’s health. Small changes made by many people add up.
Veganuary helps us fight the obesity epidemic, save money, save animals and protect the planet. It’s free. Why wouldn’t you sign up?!
The MOD Vegan and Vegetarian Network is quite new but already has almost 200 members, including vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians, line managers and veg-curious. The number of vegans is on the rise. We believe the MOD must ensure vegans are appropriately fed and kitted, in order to avoid missing out on top talent, which would affect operational effectiveness.”
Civil Service Veg Network
Claudia Hedger, Civil Service Veg Network Co-chair
“The Civil Service Vegan Network is a staff network for civil servants interested in veganism. Throughout the year we put on exciting events for people to attend in their personal time, send out newsletters and provide resources for improving inclusion of veganism in the Civil Service, so we couldn’t think of anything more relevant than encouraging people to give Veganuary a go!
To support those interested we’ve got a range of events running in January including drop-in sessions for those trying Veganuary to get some inspiration and support, as well speakers talking about their experiences and veganism more broadly.”
NHS Supply Chain: Food
Idrees Anwar, Lead Dietician
“Veganuary is the perfect opportunity to highlight and refresh in people’s minds about the health benefits that come from vegan options. At NHS Supply Chain: Food we are supporting Veganuary by showcasing some of our recipes from “Root Kitchen,” one of our Culinary Concepts.
Culinary Concepts is NHS Supply Chain: Food’s recipe books, which are all plant-based. Not only are these brilliant options, which are approachable in the hospital setting, but they are breaking the mould of a common stereotype of what vegan food is, and just how tasty it can be!”
Mars Food Europe
Dave Dusangh, General Manager, Mars Food Europe
“At Mars Food, we know the importance of what we eat, where it comes from and who we share it with. We believe a better world tomorrow is one where everyone has access to nutritious and planet-friendly food, and that’s why we are encouraging our associates to participate in Veganuary, something that I am personally excited about taking part in.
We’ve seen over recent years a permanent shift in consumer eating habits towards healthier options, and know that for many people, a plant-based diet is a key part of this. We launched our Ben’s Plant Powered range – plant-based versions of UK classics – last summer, which provide an easy option for those taking part.”
EY
Amy Brachio, Global Deputy Vice Chair Sustainability
“We’re excited to be on board with Veganuary again. What a fantastic way to empower EY people to consider a plant-based diet and help in Building a Better, and more Sustainable, Working World.
We are delighted that EY is focusing on being net zero in 2025 and considering meat and dairy free is one of the ways our individual choices can make a huge difference. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Just Eat Takeaway
Jaz Rabadia – Global Head of Responsible Business & Sustainability
“Our mission at Just Eat Takeaway.com is to empower every food moment. We provide our users with a variety of food for any taste. With our global scale, we want to inspire our consumers as well as employees to try plant-based dishes in the month of January and beyond.
This is why throughout the month we will be bringing awareness of Veganuary as a challenge to our audiences internally and externally: promoting vegan and vegetarian meals on our platform, offering promotions and special deals to support anyone who wants to embark on this journey with us.
This includes our workplace wellbeing challenge that encourages our employees to explore different plant-based foods to help keep their bodies and minds feeling at their best.”
Photos of the spokespeople named above are available here
Some of the other organisations amongst the 80+ signed up to Veganuary’s Workplace Challenge 2023 include:
- Food: Jude’s Ice Cream, Brakes, Higgidy, Too Good to Go, Green Chef (Hello Fresh), Dabbadrop, Cauldron, Tindle, Clive’s Pies, Live Kindly
- Business: PwC, Cerberus Networks, Confido, Fully Charged Live
- Hospitality: LNER, Odeon, IHG Hotels
- Retail: Harrods, Superdrug, Hastings Direct
- Healthcare: Royal Devon University Healthcare Trust, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Education: Keele University, Exeter Uni Student Guild, Imperial College
Notes to Editor
Veganuary is free to join, and people can sign-up at veganuary.com to receive our Celebrity eCookbook, new One-Pot Meal Plan, the Official Veganuary Starter Kit and 31 daily emails packed with nutritional info, delicious recipes, more meal plans and helpful advice.
A press pack with more stats, celebrity quotes and links to general Veganuary images can be downloaded here.
Media contact
Toni Vernelli, International Head of Communications, Veganuary
T: 07505 866 548
