The Veto Vote

Even in 2008, finding vegetarian and vegan meal choices is still difficult sometimes. Whether fast food, gourmet food, or grandma’s kitchen, those who don’t eat meat can feel powerless and frustrated at the lack of suitable options.

But when you’re among friends who respect your choices, you do have some power - the power of the veto vote.

The veto vote means everybody works together to choose where to eat – but if there are no vegetarian options there, you get the final say and can axe their choice.

So besides patronizing your favourite veg-friendly restaurants and fast food chains, you can make a statement by not spending your or your friends’ hard-earned money at certain places. And if your meat-eating friends are really stuck on a less than veg-friendly place, well maybe they can help you convince that restaurant to add some meat-free dishes to their menu.

When I was a University student, we could use our meal cards at a few outside restaurants. One was Italian, had good beer and was close to campus. But their veg*n options were limited. I filled out a comment card each time I went, and by the end of my year there they had revamped the menu and substituted vegetable broth for chicken stock in several of their otherwise vegetarian dishes.

Maybe they didn’t realize that vegetarians don’t eat animal products like broth or stock. Or perhaps I convinced them I was a loyal customer who wanted to keep coming back – either way, I (and people like me) lead a change that resulted in a win-win situation.

Most people polled in May said they were quiet activists, quietly advocating for change with their families and friends. These small things matter! Don’t be afraid to use your voice – and your veto vote!