Food Systems

Supporting the Plant-Based Transition: Strategies and Impact

The shift from animal-based to plant-based foods is accelerating; supporting this transition is one of the highest-leverage animal welfare strategies.

Key Facts

Plant-based food sales grew 20% in 2020 and continue growing in most markets
Meat reduction is one of the most effective individual climate and welfare actions
Social norms around meat consumption are shifting significantly among younger generations
Institutional food service transitions to plant-forward menus affect millions of meals daily

Welfare Considerations

The plant-based transition reduces animal welfare harm at scale with every shift in consumption. Individual dietary choices, corporate food service commitments, institutional procurement, and cultural norm shifts all contribute to this transition. Supporting the social, cultural, and economic conditions for plant-based transition — rather than only individual behavior change — achieves welfare improvements that persist and compound over time.

What You Can Do

Participate actively in the plant-based transition through your own consumption
Share positive plant-based food experiences to normalize the transition
Advocate for institutional plant-forward food service in employers and schools
Support organizations accelerating the plant-based food transition