On 13th March campaigners set up a free vegan food stall outside McDonald's - getting a great response from the public and handing out plenty of 'McLibel' leaflets and information about the relation of diet to a range of other important issues.
As part of the Animal Rights Spring Gathering on 13th March, activists engaged in various actions across Nottingham city centre. One of these was a free food give-away outside McDonalds, where people gave out free vegan food and recipes. In addition, the stall contained literature about the environmental benefits of adopting a vegan diet, as well as the benefits to the animals.
Of course, plenty of McLibel leaflets were also handed out to show that – despite superficially (and characteristically cynically) trying to re-brand themselves as an 'ethical', 'green' company – the same problems remain in relation to workers' rights, litter, unhealthy food, exploitative marketing aimed at children, animal welfare, and the general steamrollering of anyone who tries to get in their way!
A small camping stove was set up to cook hot veggie sausages for people, and vegan pizza and cupcakes were also provided. The food got lots of compliments and even managed to get an endorsement from a community police officer!!
The most positive part of the day was the amount of people who approached us and wanted to have long and serious discussions about the reasons behind the protest. It was particularly refreshing to have groups of teenagers approach us and want to talk at length about the importance of considering how what you eat relates to so many other issues. As one group were leaving they said (without even a hint of sarcasm) 'Thank you, we've really learned a lot today'.
Overall, it was a really positive experience for all involved, from local activists to those who'd travelled from further afield for the gathering.
It follows a successful give-away from last month at the same place, where we got support and food from local veggie cafe Dotty's, and the campaign is aiming to happen monthly from now on – with other local businesses already offering to donate food for future events.
Of course, plenty of McLibel leaflets were also handed out to show that – despite superficially (and characteristically cynically) trying to re-brand themselves as an 'ethical', 'green' company – the same problems remain in relation to workers' rights, litter, unhealthy food, exploitative marketing aimed at children, animal welfare, and the general steamrollering of anyone who tries to get in their way!
A small camping stove was set up to cook hot veggie sausages for people, and vegan pizza and cupcakes were also provided. The food got lots of compliments and even managed to get an endorsement from a community police officer!!
The most positive part of the day was the amount of people who approached us and wanted to have long and serious discussions about the reasons behind the protest. It was particularly refreshing to have groups of teenagers approach us and want to talk at length about the importance of considering how what you eat relates to so many other issues. As one group were leaving they said (without even a hint of sarcasm) 'Thank you, we've really learned a lot today'.
Overall, it was a really positive experience for all involved, from local activists to those who'd travelled from further afield for the gathering.
It follows a successful give-away from last month at the same place, where we got support and food from local veggie cafe Dotty's, and the campaign is aiming to happen monthly from now on – with other local businesses already offering to donate food for future events.
Thoughts...
16.03.2010 11:15
I mean, do you really think this sort of thing will have any effect on McDonalds as a business? Is this effort really getting us anywhere, focussing on one fucked-up corporation? Think about how long people have been campaigning against them. Is that still neccessary? Will it be the same in another ten years? twenty? Doing the same stuff? Don't you think perhaps the effort is best spent elsewhere? That perhaps, while we live in a capitalist system, these businesses are always going to exist; exist, and use horrible work practices, mistreat animals, damage the environment, etc? The meaning of the word radical means to challenge the 'root' causes. I really don't think McDonalds is a root cause.
(A) person
More thoughts
16.03.2010 13:09
Thinker
(A)Person, you'd be surprised...
17.03.2010 14:48
...and secondly how productive it can be to hand people free food and engage them in conversation, rather than sticking with the tired old tactic of shouting slogans and waving leaflets in peoples' faces.
Ronny
Vegan Free Food Give-Away
22.03.2010 15:08
> "Don't you think perhaps the effort is best spent elsewhere?"
The effort in best spent _everywhere_, which is why vegan campaigners join Veggies Catering Campaign at events all around the region, all through the year (
> "The meaning of the word radical means to challenge the 'root' causes."
The root cause is animal exploitation and one way to undermine the roots is to take away their support, even if it is one person at a time. Yes it may seem like simply lighting a candle in a darkened room, but each time there is a Vegan Free Food Giveaway many people find vegan food to be a tasty, accessible and readily available alternative to meat and dairy.
> "I really don't think McDonalds is a root cause."
McDonalds may only be a symptom of a malaise effecting society, but until they all become autonomous vegan collectives, we'll welcome the opportunity to be on their doorstep 'cos the amazing feedback from the public gives a better buzz than just sitting at home in front of the telly.
Note also that the these free food giveaways are held in various locations, about once a month. See
Pat
e-mail:
info@veggies.org.uk
Homepage:
http://www.veggies.org.uk/event.php?ref=1400