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Ghent's Green Revolution: 83% Now Flexitarian!
21 Oct
Summary
- Ghent successfully shifted 83% of its population to flexitarian diets.
- A 'Veggie Day' policy initiated in 2009 drove the widespread adoption.
- Innovative plant-based foods, like vegan cheese, are being developed.
In Ghent, Belgium, a remarkable dietary shift has occurred, with 83% of the population now identifying as flexitarian, a significant increase from 13% in 2014. This change was initiated by a 'Veggie Day' policy established in 2009, which encouraged residents to avoid meat and fish on Thursdays. The policy's success was amplified by local businesses, schools, and community centers adopting plant-based options.
Schools in Ghent have embraced plant-based meals, even creating hybrid dishes with reduced meat content and enhanced flavor through taste panels. These efforts have cut the carbon footprint of school meals by 38% since 2018. Innovative ventures, such as Those Vegan Cowboys, are developing animal-free cheese, aiming to replicate the taste and texture of dairy cheese using microorganisms.
Ghent's progressive approach extends to social restaurants and businesses that make plant-based food accessible and appealing to a broad audience. This city-wide movement, driven by a unique blend of public demand and political action, is creating a sustainable and healthier food future, with further initiatives targeting higher education and healthcare.
