The food system is responsible for around 25-30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. According to the United Nations, meat and dairy production are generally associated with the highest greenhouse gas emissions within the food system. Eating less meat and more whole plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, mushrooms, nuts, and seeds) is known to reduce one’s environmental footprint and improve one’s overall health. With more people eating plant-forward for their health and the environment, offering a variety of plant-based options will benefit your food service business and it will support the Ann Arbor community.

VegMichigan is a collaborator on A²ZERO, the City of Ann Arbor’s plan for a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality. As part of our collaboration, we are working to spread awareness about the Power of Our Plates –  by showing how our food choices impact climate change, demonstrating how eating more plant-based meals can reduce our carbon footprint, and supporting Ann Arbor food service businesses in adopting plant-forward practices. For information on the climate benefits of plant-based foods visit VegMichigan.org/climate. 

The Climate-Friendly Menu Initiative is focused on supporting local Ann Arbor Food Service Businesses in offering plant-based menu items to lower their businesses carbon footprint and expand their clientele by reaching customers who are looking for plant-forward options.

We are doing this in three steps:

• Share Your Insights: We are looking for input from food service business operators to (1) better understand your existing experiences with, attitudes towards, and perceptions about plant-based menu options; (2) evaluate the operational, logistical, and financial challenges experienced when increasing plant-based menu options; and (3) identify support or incentives needed to increase plant-based offerings. Provide insights here.

• Get Technical Assistance: Based on your feedback we aim to develop future technical assistance that will be offered to local Ann Arbor food establishments interested in including plant-based options on their menu.

• Implement & Grow: We will work with your establishment to support the successful implementation of your plant-based menu options.

We are doing this in three steps:

• Share Your Insights: We are looking for input from food service business operators to (1) better understand your existing experiences with, attitudes towards, and perceptions about plant-based menu options; (2) evaluate the operational, logistical, and financial challenges experienced when increasing plant-based menu options; and (3) identify support or incentives needed to increase plant-based offerings. Provide insights here.

• Get Technical Assistance: Based on your feedback we aim to develop future technical assistance that will be offered to local Ann Arbor food establishments interested in including plant-based options on their menu.

• Implement & Grow: We will work with your establishment to support the successful implementation of your plant-based menu options.

Offering a variety of plant-based options will benefit your food service business because these offerings will:

• Make your business competitive: As more plant-based options become available in  Ann Arbor there will be customers looking for establishments with plant-based options.

• Attract Clientele: An individual who eats more plant-forward will influence the restaurant choice of their entire group, even if they are the only person who is eating plant-forward.

• Mitigate Climate Change: Having plant-based options are a positive and climate-friendly contribution to the community, supporting the City’s A2ZERO plan, which was supported by 71% of Ann Arborites.