Food orders for work related events are to be vegan and vegetarian only

[ValerieVomit]

We all received an email at work to say that when we order catering in future for work related events we can only order vegetarian and vegan food. The management team has imposed this. It's to reduce our carbon footprint. I don't think that this means there is to be no carnivorous food available for the rest of the organisation but our department won't allow us to order any.

Reasonable or not?

Meh, we've not had food at any work related event for a very long time due to budget pressures. I'd take it.

I can’t see that it’s a bad thing

I think that’s fair enough. It’s more inclusive for people with dietary/religious restrictions. (And I say that as an atheist carnivore).

Totally unreasonable. I’d rather buy my own. It doesn’t take into consideration other people’s dietary preferences. For me I like high protein diet but try to steer clear of anything hyper processed like a lot of the vegan alternatives.

It’s also quite ignorant as doesn’t take into account the huge water consumption and impact of many vegan foods.

I think I would refuse to be part of these meals and networking sessions.

I also think it’s an inappropriate use of higher-ups power to impose their beliefs on junior staff.

Sounds sensible

Yes it's reasonable. Presumably it saves them money as well as reducing the carbon footprint but there's nothing wrong with a business wanting to do either. It doesn't inconvenience anyone as omnivores are perfectly capable of eating meals without meat, no one needs to eat meat at every single meal. (Whereas vegetarians and vegans cannot eat certain products.)

As a meat-eater myself I find people who take offence at the idea of eating a vegetarian meal very strange. Meat is just one of many things I like to eat, including vegetables.

Reasonable, but not for the reason given.

Meat-eaters can (and do) consume vegan and vegetarian foods but not vice versa, so offering foods everyone can enjoy seems fair.

Very positive decision, I'd say.

Well presumably you are only allowed foodstuffs grown in the UK? To reduce your carbon footprint?

You can't say "no meat cos carbon" and then allow avocadoes, pineapples, oranges, olive oil, peppers, etc...

Sounds fine. Great for those who are vegetarian and vegan (often given minimal options fot food at corporate events, ime). Slightly healthier for everyone else.
Nobody is going to die from not eating meat/fish at one sitting.

I’d be quite proud of my company if they did that

Quite funny that you think your hissy fit refusal to go to these events on account of having to eat vegetarian food will be met by anything other than "er OK then" and everyone else moving on without you.

Reduces carbon footprint, probably money and likely waste, What's not to like?

Same has happened at my work place - nothing to do with carbon footprint and everything to do with the head honcho being vegan and wanting everything her way.

Quite a few non-veggies are not happy with having only plant based offerings at buffets!

This.

The fact you can no longer order meat dishes wouldn't bother me at all, it's better if the food is stuff everyone can eat but the illogical reasoning would really irrationally annoy me.

How are we suppose to use the voting?
Is it ‘they are / are not BU’, or you?

Anyway, it seems a not too onerous or unreasonable policy.

That was exactly what I was going to say.

If you're using carbon footprint as a real argument, then, surely, any food items need to be locally sourced. Else its just virtue signalling.

In terms of vegan - it depends on what it is. Personally, i'm trying hard to cut back on UPF, so a lot of vegan food does seem to be quite high in processed stuff, but there are some absolutely delicious vegan and veggie options available. In fact, although I'm a meat eater, I reckon I've cut down meat consumption by about 50% in the last six months by focusing more on plant-based whole foods.

Doesn't look like there's anything to stop you bringing your own packet of Scotch eggs or cocktail sausages if you feel deprived by one meal without meat.

As some one who medically needs a high protien low carb diet I would struggle and need to educate my self on high protien vegan options tbh

You beat me to it. It's classic virtue signalling. As for omnivores being able to eat all things vegan and vegetarian. I contest. Beans and pulses are the devil for me, as is Soya. I'd rather bring my own packed lunch.

And no chickpeas for vegan hummus obviously - because carbon!

There's no guarantee the meat will be pure flesh and not processed meat products though. And a good offering with fresh meat will have fresh veg etc too.

Missing a whole training/ networking/ celebratory event because the one free optional meal they choose to offer doesn't involve meat just makes you look truculent

I work for a charity and we've done this for years. It's cheaper and more inclusive, so less hassle having to try and cater for different needs. Usually only a sandwich/light buffet type lunch anyway, so no big deal really.

People saying they would refuse to attend an event where's there's only veggie sandwiches must be quite unpleasant and difficult colleagues so it's probably a blessing that they're not in the room!

It's catered buffet food at a work event. This is not gourmet stuff we're talking about. It's not food that is going to make you actively happy, whether it has meat in it or not.

Nobody is going to die from not eating meat/fish at one sitting

No, but if they are going full vegan, I personally don't want to consume pretend milk and butter, no eggs, cheese, etc etc.