There is no beef between meat eaters and the University’s Speak Out for Species animal rights group. But today in Tate Plaza, there might be some Tofurkey.

Starting at 9:30 this morning, the organization will host their version of “The Great American Meatout.”

According to Meatout.org, the founding organization, the “Meatout” is the “world’s largest and oldest annual grassroots diet education campaign.”

Although Meatout.org holds its event on the first day of spring every year, it encourages vegetarian and animal rights groups to hold an event any day in March.

“It’s a nice idea because it’s kind of like a spring cleansing,” said Claire Rice, president of SOS.

“I think you can go to the site and get pamphlets and stickers and stuff, but we’re just doing it on our own.”

This will be the fourth year that SOS has held a “Meatout.” Rice, a third year biology major from Decatur, became a vegetarian in 2004 and since has altered her diet into veganism.

“In high school, I started to think about all of the bad things that happen in this world, and I thought that [vegetarianism] could be my way of having a positive impact,” she said. “It’s better for the environment, it’s more compassionate toward animals, and it’s benefiting my health.”

The event’s purpose is to educate students about similar aspects of vegetarianism, and offer meat and animal product alternatives.

“We asked for donations from several meat-alternative and vegan food companies,” Rice said. “We’re going to have some Tofurkey deli slices, fake jerky, coffee with soy creamers . I think someone is making vegan mac and cheese – there will be all kinds of stuff.”

Aside from free food, a few musicians from local band Dubconcious will be providing some reggae grooves.

“It feels good to know that not only am I not supporting the slaughter of animals [by being a vegetarian], but I’m able to contribute to this cause in my own way,” said Jerry Hendelberg, who plays keyboards and melodica for the band.

But what the organization hopes to achieve is evident through the “veg pledge” that students can sign.

“The veg pledge isn’t a promise to be vegetarian, it’s (an opportunity) to make your own pledge,” Rice said. “It could be, I won’t eat beef today, or I will be vegetarian for one day – whatever you want.”

Rice explained that neither she, nor any of the members of SOS expect anyone to completely change their diet, but hopes that the event will inspire students to sacrifice meat consumption for even one day.

“If everyone did it, it would make a huge
difference.”

Rice said SOS members’ motive is simply to provoke thought about the issue.

“(In the past) we’ve had people read a pamphlet, or come to a movie and then come back and say, ‘You know, I thought about it, and I think I want to really change my diet.’”

Although today’s “Meatout” focuses on meat consumption, this is not the primary mission of SOS. “We want to educate people about all aspects of animal rights, whether it be horse slaughter, dog fighting or even spaying and neutering,” she said.

SOS even has a few non-vegetarian members, Rice said.

“Anyone who has any type of passion for any animal is welcome,”
Rice said.