World Farm Animal Day and Vegetarian Awareness Month

World Farm Animal Day, founded in 1983, is dedicated to exposing and memorializing the needless suffering and death of cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, and other innocent, sentient animals raised and slaughtered for food. World Farm Animals Day will continue until animals are no longer seen as commodities and are raised for their flesh and by-products.

Animal Rescues That Will Make You Happy
that PETA Exists

Vegetarian Resources

1. The Vegetarian Resource Group
2. Peta
3. Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetics Practice Group (VN DPG), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
4. The Vegan Society
5. Ginny Messina, RDN - Vegan Dietitian: Recipes to Try - Pinterest 

Note from Author.  Education materials are designed to be "Family Friendly;" therefore, I chose not to portray the slaughter of animals.

October Wellness News

Current News, Resources, and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety, and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers, and Health Professionals. 

October Monthly Events

October Health, Nutrition, and Food Events
Monthly Events

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month National Disability Employment Awareness Month Dyslexia Awareness Month  Global Diversity Awareness Month Health Literacy Month Learning Disability Awareness Month National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month  National Chiropractic Health Month National Dental Hygiene Month National Depression Education & Awareness National Down Syndrome Awareness Month National Liver Awareness Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month National Crime Prevention Month   National Cyber Security Awareness Month National Physical Therapy Month   National Reading Group Month National Spina Bifida Awareness Month  National Work and Family Month German American Heritage Month Italian-American Heritage Month Polish American Heritage Month Talk About Prescriptions Month World Menopause Month National Photographer Appreciation Month Adopt a Shelter Dog Month Fair Trade Month Gourmet Adventures Month

UNICEF Tackling Hunger Month Halloween Safety Month National Farm to School Month Vegetarian Month National Apple Month Corn Month  National Bake and Decorate Month Caffeine Addiction Recovery Month National Caramel Month  National Chili Month National Cookbook Month National Cookie Month National Country Ham Month National Dessert Month National Pasta Month National Pickled Peppers Month National Pizza Month National Popcorn Poppin' Month National Pork Month  National Pretzel Month Sausage Month National Seafood Month National Spinach-Lovers Month Non-GMO Month Co-op Awareness Month Eat Better, Eat Together Month National Kitchen and Bath Month

Weekly Events

1-2 Yom Kippur
1-7 Universal Children's Week
1-7 National Walk Your Dog Week
3-10 No Salt Week:
5-11 Mental Illness Awareness Week
5-11 Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week
5-11 4-H Week
5-11 National Metric Week
5-11 Fire Prevention Week
6-12 Pet Obesity Week
6-13 Sukkot
11-14 FNCE, Nashville
12-18 National Chestnut Week 
12-18 National Food Bank Week
12-18 OCD Awareness Week
13-18 National School Lunch Week
13-18 World Rainforest Week
19-25 International Infection Prevention Week
19-25 National Chemistry Week
20-26 Food & Drug Interaction Education
20-24 National Health Education Week
20-26 Freedom of Speech Week

Daily Events

1          UN International Day of Older Persons, World Vegetarian Day, International Coffee Day, National Homemade Cookies Day, Vegan Baking Day,  Yom Kippur (sundown), National Pumpkin Seed Day, National Kale Day, Walk to School Day

2          UN International Day of Non-Violence, World Day for Farmed Animals,  National Fried Scallops Day, National Produce Misting Day

3          National Caramel Custard Day, World Smile Day

4          National Taco Day, World Animal Day, Vodka Day, World Child Health Day, National Banana Pudding Day, World Porridge Day

5          UN World Teachers Day, National Apple Betty Day, National Depression Screening Day, Country Inn Bed & Breakfast Day

6          Noodle Day, World Cerebral Palsy Day, National Plus Size Appreciation Day, National German-American Day, World Day of Bullying Prevention (First Monday), Sukkot

7          National Frappe Day, National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day, National Eat Fruit at Work Day  

8          National Perogy Day, National Fluffernutter Day, National Salmon Day, World Octopus Day, Bullying Prevention Day (2nd Wednesday), S.A.V.E. (Stop America's Violence Everywhere) 2nd Wednesday, National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day (2nd Wednesday)

9          World Post Day, National Moldy Cheese Day, International Beer and Pizza Day, National Depression Screening Day (Thursday of first full Week)

10        World Mental Health Day, National Angel Food Cake Day, World Homeless Day, National Cake Decorating Day, National Metric Day, World Egg Day

11        International Day of the Girl, National Sausage Pizza Day, Southern Food Heritage Day, National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, I Love Yarn Day (2nd Saturday)

12        National Gumbo Day, National Farmer’s Day, World Arthritis Day, Columbus Day

13        Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, National Yorkshire Pudding Day, Columbus Day observed; Indigenous Peoples' Day (2nd Monday)

14        National Dessert Day, Chocolate-Covered Insect Day, Native American Day, International Face Your Fears Day (2nd Tuesday); Simchat Torah

15        UN International Day of Rural Women, Global Hand Washing Day, National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Day, National Mushroom Day, National Roast Pheasant Day, National Chicken Cacciatore Day, National Cheese Curd Day, National White Cane Safety Day  

16        World Food Day

17        UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, National Pasta Day, Mulligan Day, Mammography Day (Third Friday)  

18        World Menopause Day, National Chocolate Cupcake Day, Meatloaf Appreciation Day, National Mammography Day, Sweetest Day (3rd Saturday

19        National Seafood Bisque Day 

20        World Osteoporosis Day, National Brandied Fruit Day, International Chefs Day, National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day

21        National Apple Month, Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day, National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day

22        National Nut Day, National Color Day, National Tex-Mex Day

23        National Boston Cream Pie Day

24        United Nations Day, World Development Information Day, National Bologna Day, Food Day

25        National Greasy Foods Day, World Pasta Day, Sourest Day

26        National Mincemeat Pie Day, National Pumpkin Day, National Chicken Fried Steak Day, Mother-in-Law Day (Always 4th Sunday)

27        National Farm to School Month, National American Beer Day 

28        Wild Foods Day, National Chocolate Day

29        National Oatmeal Day, World Stroke Day

30        National Candy Corn Day, Haunted Refrigerator Night, Checklist Day

31        Halloween, National Magic Day, National UNICEF Day, Trick or Treat for UNICEF, Nevada 36th State, National Caramel Apple Day, Frankenstein Friday

	Months
	January	July
	February	August
	March	September
	April	October
	May	November
	June	December

 

National Farm Animals Day

National Farm Animals Day was created as a day to raise awareness about the plight of slaughtered animals and to find a home for abandoned and abused farm animals.

Animal Rescues That Will Make You Happy
that PETA Exists

Vegetarian Resources

1. The Vegetarian Resource Group
2. Peta
3. Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group (VN DPG), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
4. The Vegan Society
5. Ginny Messina, RDN - Vegan Dietitian: Recipes to Try - Pinterest 
6. MyPlate, Healthy Eating for Vegetarians

March 20, Great American Meatout Day

About Meatout

Meatout is an international event exposing the public to the benefits of plant-based foods while promoting the availability and selection of alternatives to meat and dairy in mainstream grocery stores, restaurants, and catering operations. Meatout was launched in 1985 and is coordinated yearly by FARM, a national nonprofit and public interest organization. FARM advocates plant-based (vegan) diets to save animals, protect the environment, and improve health.

Recipe: Hummus with Peppers and Cucumbers Wrap

Meatout TV Ad

Meatout has grown to become the world's “largest annual grassroots diet education campaign”. Participants are asked to "kick the meat habit on March 20 (first day of spring) and explore a wholesome, diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Meatout Facts:
•Over 30 million Americans have explored a meat-free diet.
•One in five teens thinks vegetarianism is "cool."
•National beef and veal consumption have dropped by 25 and 70%, respectively.
•Major manufacturers and retailers are marketing meat-free and dairy-free meals.
•Several national fast-food chains are offering veggie burgers and several major baseball parks are selling veggie dogs.

Meatout Mondays
Meatout Mondays were developed to keep the spirit of Meatout alive throughout the year. Those who sign up for Meatout Mondays pledge to eat compassionate plant-based foods every Monday. 

Paul McCartney sings the "Meat Free Monday Song."
Not one of his best, but a great message.

The Benefits of Meatout
"Kicking the meat habit" holds lasting benefits for consumer health, world hunger, resource conservation, environmental quality, and animal protection.

Kicking the meat habit reduces our risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other chronic diseases that cripple and kill nearly 1.4 million Americans annually.

Kicking the meat habit raises our energy level, lowers our food budget, and simplifies food preparation and cleanup.

Kicking the meat habit preserves our topsoil, water, and other food production resources vital to the survival of our children and their children.

Kicking the meat habit protects our forests, grasslands, and other wildlife habitats.

Kicking the meat habit saves animals from caging, crowding, deprivation, drugging, mutilation, manhandling, and agonizing slaughter. Each person who adopts a plant-based diet saves over 80 innocent animals each year. Over a lifetime, an individual can save more than 6,000 animals just by going vegan.

Resources
1. To learn more, visit the Meatout website.
2. The Vegan R.D.
3. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group
4. The Vegetarian Resource Group Blog 

Cow Appreciation Day

July 12, 2013 Cow Appreciation Day

Origin. For one day only, black and white spots, cow bells and furry ears will be appropriate attire at Chick-fil-A restaurants all across the nation. In celebration of Cow Appreciation Day (an unofficial yet nationally recognized holiday), Chick-fil-A will award a FREE Meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) to any customer who comes to one of their 1,600+ restaurants fully dressed as a cow.

Other Option for Cow Appreciation Day. Try a vegetarian meal today.

October 2011 Wellness News

Current News, Resources and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers and Health Professionals. Wellness News is up-dated daily and includes weekly and daily events. To view the entire Newsletter online click here or subscribe to Wellness News by adding your email address to the link on the left.
 

October Monthly Events
Weekly and Daily Events can be found in the Wellness Newsletter.

 October Highlights
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 Food Day, October 24, 2011

 National Disability Employment Awareness Month

UNICEF

 Tackling Hunger Month
 Halloween Safety Month
Food Events

 Vegetarian Month  
 National Apple Month 
 National Bake and Decorate Month
 Caffeine Addiction Recovery Month
 Cookbook Month
 National Caramel Month 
 National Chili Month
 National Cookie Month
 National Country Ham Month
 National Dessert Month
 National Pasta Month
 National Pickled Peppers Month
 National Pizza Month
 National Popcorn Poppin' Month
 National Pork Month 
 National Pretzel Month
 National Rice Month
 Sausage Month
 National Seafood Month
 National Spinach-Lovers Month
 Co op Awareness Month
 National Eat Better, Eat Together Month
 Celiac Disease Awareness Month
 Christmas Seal Campaign (10/1-12/31)
 Dyslexia Awareness Month 
 Emotional Wellness Month
 Global Diversity Awareness Month

 Health Literacy Month
 Learning Disability Awareness Month
 Long Term Care Planning Month 
 National Chiropractic Month
 National Dental Hygiene Month
 National Depression Education & Awareness Month
 National Down Syndrome Awareness Month
 National Liver Awareness Month
 Domestic Violence Awareness Month
 National Crime Prevention Month  
 National Cyber Security Awareness Month

 Financial Planning Month
 National Medical Librarian Month 
 National Organize Your Medical Information Month
 National Orthodontic Health Month
 National Physical Therapy Month
National Spina Bifida Awareness Month
 National Work and Family Month
   Positive Attitude Month
 Talk About Prescriptions Month
 Workplace Politics Awareness Month
 World Blindness Awareness Month
 World Menopause Month
National Kitchen and Bath Month 

National Photographer Appreciation Month
National Restaurant Hospitality Month

National Animal Safety Protection Month  

October 2010 Wellness News

Wellness News is your resource for current Health, Nutrition and Food topics and events. Subjects encourage awareness and inspire ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers and Health Professionals. 
 

October Monthly Events
Weekly and Daily Events can be found in the Wellness Newsletter.

 October Highlights

National Breast Cancer Awareness

Disability Employment Awareness

World Blindness Awareness
Children's Magazine Month
Christmas Seal Campaign
Dyslexia Awareness
Energy Management is a Family Affair
Global Diversity Awareness
Head Start Awareness
Chiropractic Month
Depression Education & Awareness
Domestic Violence Awareness
National Down Syndrome

National Liver Awareness
National Medical Librarians
National Orthodontic Health
National Physical Therapy
National Spina Bifida Awareness
Positive Attitude
Domestic Violence Awareness
National Crime Prevention
National Cyber Security

Halloween Safety
National Apple Month
Caffeine Addition Recovery Month
Celiac Disease Awareness
Co-op Awareness

Eat Better, Eat Together

Go Hog Wild Eat Country Ham
Health Literacy Month
Long Term Care Planning Month
National Animal Safety and Protection Month
National Bake and Decorate Month
National Caramel Month
National Chili Month
National Cookbook Month
National Dental Hygiene Month
National Popcorn Poppin' Month
National Pork Month
National Pretzel Month

National Seafood Month
Sausage Month
Spinach Lovers Month

Tackling Hunger Month
Vegetarian Month
Adopt A Shelter Dog Month
National Go On A Field Trip Month
Nutrition, Health & Wellness Field Trips
National Work and Family Month

Students' Willingness to Purchase Vegan Menu Items in the National School Lunch Program

by Jill Eckart, BA, Kathryn A. Strong, MS, RD, Darlene K. Moppert, MS, RD, Neal D. Barnard, MD

From the Florida Public Health Review, 2010; 7, 64-69.
The significance of the study in determining if offering plant-based options as part of a comprehensive school wellness policy may encourage healthful eating patterns, and can complement the benefits of nutrition education and physical activity. Whereas more research is needed to assess the long-term effects of offering plant-based options in schools, providing these items appears to be feasible and beneficial in the short term.

Abstract
Offering plant-based options in school lunches may help schools meet U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrient standards by providing students with options that are low in fat and cholesterol-free. Research indicates that well planned vegetarian and vegan diets are appropriate for all ages and have certain health benefits; however, it is not clear whether students are willing to incorporate vegetarian foods into their diets. We assessed students’ willingness to purchase vegan menu items in school lunches and evaluate the nutrient profiles of vegan and nonvegan menu items offered. Vegan items were offered once per week for four weeks in elementary and middle school cafeterias located in a demographically diverse school district. Researchers tracked menu items sold, nutrients of menu items offered, and ease of vegan item preparation. Vegan options accounted for more than half of the average number of meals sold at each school on study days. Vegan menu items were lower in total fat, saturated fat, and energy and provided more dietary fiber compared with the competing foods. Food service managers indicated that vegan menu items were easy to prepare. Students are willing to purchase vegan options offered in the school lunch line. Offering vegan school lunches on a regular basis may help food service directors meet nutrient standards and improve child nutrition.

To view the full study click the following link: Vegan Menu Items in the National School Lunch Program.