PROCLAMATION
Whereas: Boston is the home of the Boston Veg Food Fest, the longest-running festival of its kind in the country, now celebrating its 25 year anniversary; AND
Whereas: The Boston Veg Food Fest offers a chance to hear celebrated experts in the world of plant-based nutrition, culinary arts, sports, and sustainable, animal-friendly living, and see the wide variety of foods, fashion, and lifestyle products that are free of animal ingredients; AND
Whereas: The festival is an all-volunteer organized nonprofit event offered annually free to all; and Boston is home to many vegan and vegetarian restaurants; AND
Whereas: Plant-based diets reduce our impact on climate change and the environment by reducing human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, reducing pollution of land, water; and air; using fewer energy, land, and water resources; reducing topsoil erosion, rainforest destruction, animal suffering, the spread of diseases, and the loss of biodiversity; AND
Whereas: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Position Paper states that vegan diets are healthful and may provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of certain chronic diseases, including reduced risk of heart disease; type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers; NOW
Therefore: I, Martin J. Walsh, Mayor of Boston, do hereby proclaim October 24, 2020, to be:
Boston Veg Food Fest Day
in the City of Boston
I encourage my fellow Bostonians to recognize and appreciate the significance of this day.
Through this festival many families, friends and residents will learn the benefits and enjoyment of eating and living plant-based.
MARTIN J. WALSH
MAYOR OF BOSTON
October 24, 2020