A 2008 survey by Vegetarian Times revealed that 3.2% of adults in the United States (7.3 million Americans) are vegetarians and an additional 22.8 million follow a vegetarian-inclined pattern (Vegetarian Times Editors, 2008.) Understand the concepts behind the various vegetarian and vegan eating patterns is important to ensure good health. The Jessamine County Cooperative Extension Service presented “Vegetarian 101: History, Health, and Tips” to 48 participants across eight counties in central Kentucky. The interactive lecture provided opportunities to apply new knowledge through exploring food labels and discussing concepts. Program evaluations conducted immediately following the session revealed 44 participants increased their knowledge of terms associated with vegetarianism. A printed evaluation was sent to all program participants two months after the session. Results showed:

62% of individuals prepared at least one vegetarian meal they had never tried before.

66% of individuals explored food labels and ingredient lists as a result of the program.

83% of individuals increased their fruits and vegetable consumption.

One participant wrote on their follow-up “After this program, I continued researching vegetarian diets. I went to the library and checked out books to learn more. I have started eating more and more vegetarian meals.”   

Sources:

Vegetarian Times Editors. (2008, April 16). Vegetarianism in America. Retrieved from https://www.vegetariantimes.com/uncategorized/vegetarianism-in-america