Several activists manned an education table dedicated to vegan outreach and spreading the word about what has become an international day of commemoration – Great American Meatout founded by FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement - http://www.farmusa.org/). Colorful handouts and flyers included Veg Starter Kits, Vegan Recipes and Why Vegans. The table display included graphics intended to highlight the plight of factory farmed animals and more importantly the ethical and compassionate choice of not eating animals or any products that come from animals.

The message was well received. Vegan cookies were distributed to let people know that any food can be made without animal products. Activists also took this opportunity to educate the public about cruelty free non-animal tested products. Cruelty free lists were distributed and pamphlets about the alternatives to animal testing were distributed freely.

Many stopped to chat or to watch the videos that were played throughout our day of commemoration. Meet Your Meat, Goldfinger’s Free Me and other undercover investigation videos were shown continuously throughout the day. Many were riveted to the screen and expressed horror and disgust at what they witnessed being done to animals used for food. Some vowed to go vegetarian, one vegetarian swore to go vegan and many said they would be lowering their consumption of animal products. It was a very successful day of educational outreach for cruelty free living.

The day was capped off with a delicious dinner at one of Greenwich Village’s newest veg restaurants, Soy and Sake on 7th Avenue South. Peppered beef, coconut encrusted chicken and Thai noodles with prawns all proved that we can enjoy all of our favorite foods without killing or exploiting any animals. We highly recommend this restaurant; but, we do ask that you request that they replace the live fish tank that sits in the middle of this otherwise lovely restaurant. http://www.soyandsake.com/

From FARM: A thousand communities in all 50 U.S. states and 29 other countries welcomed spring with colorful educational events, marking the 25th annual observance of the world’s largest annual grassroots diet education campaign. Activities included leafleting, info tables, exhibits, feed-ins, video screenings, walks, festivals, and more.

For more information about Meatout visit: http://www.meatout.org/