ATLANTA, November 30, 2022 - The Educated Choices Program (ECP) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to promote and help facilitate the adoption of plant-based meal options for U.S. military and service members. The U.S. Department of Defense has announced its intention to provide service members with at least one plant-based entrée option at every meal. EWG was pivotal in the adoption of this initiative and ECP has joined the organization to provide politicians and other decision-makers with the educational foundation to support the smooth implementation of this plan.
A recent survey by Plant Based News found that more than half of surveyed service members believed or strongly believed that plant-based options were healthier and nearly a quarter of respondents wanted to cut back on their consumption of animal products. Providing a balanced plant-based option to our military gives our service members more control over their health and more opportunities to reduce their risk of several common chronic diseases like heart disease as well as their impact on the environment.
As a part of this partnership, ECP and EWG have created a free online resource that provides plant-based recipes and guides, educational videos on the human and planetary impacts of our current food systems, tools for calculating and reducing the environmental impact of a meal, and much more. These resources can be viewed at www.ecprogram.org/ewg and can help leaders understand the importance of including and expanding their plant-based offerings with the tools needed to enact this change.
“We are truly honored to work with EWG on such an important initiative. This is an opportunity for us to help our nation's heroes reduce their risk of diet-related chronic diseases while simultaneously helping to display our nation's commitment to reaching our climate goals!" said ECP Chief Development and Partnerships Officer Karyn Knox.
About Environmental Working Group
The Environmental Working Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that specializes in research and advocacy in agricultural subsidies, toxic chemicals, drinking water pollutants, and corporate accountability. EWG is dedicated to helping others live their healthiest life.
About Educated Choices Program
Educated Choices Program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and international organization providing science-based education about the impact of food choices, empowering current and future consumers and leaders to help create a healthier, more sustainable food system for all. Its services are free to the public, including schools, colleges, and community organizations.
Media Inquiries: Beth Champion, beth.champion@ecprogram.org
More information: www.ecprogram.org