If you’d like to tempt meat-loving friends to embrace more fresh, sustainable whole foods, try throwing a Meatless Monday potluck.
The Meatless Monday movement, now in partnership with Slow Food USA, is an easy, weekly reminder to take saturated fat off your plate and replace it with nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
Throwing a veggie-centric potluck is often easier, less expensive, and more sustainable than a full-on meat feast, and some say, a whole lot tastier! It’s also a great opportunity to come together to spread the word about the movement in a fun and creative way. Not only will you discover new recipes, you just might be inspired you to galvanize your entire community. Even famous chefs like Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich have instituted a Meatless Monday menu in their top-class restaurants.
Whether you’re planning your Meatless Monday potluck for your office, school, or home, here are a few tips for launching a successful gathering.
Here are some tips to grilling vegetables and fun and easy grilled vegetable recipes.
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1. Get organized: Pick a date, time, and location. Email your participants and ask everyone to sign up for a main dish, salad, side dish, dessert, or beverage. Encourage some attendees to choose dishes that can be served cold; others warm, depending on the season.
2. Get fridge savvy. Because prepared dishes shouldn’t go without refrigeration for more than four hours, make sure you clear enough space in the fridge to hold all your goodies. If possible, post a sign stating the fridge will be cleared on Friday afternoon to make room for Monday’s meal. No one should lose their best snacks on account of Meatless Monday.
3. Carry your food like a pro. Many cooks first reach for plastic or aluminum dishes to transport food, but glass and ceramic are best for reheating in the microwave. Encourage participants to use them. And don’t forget serving spoons, utensils, napkins, and cups.
4. Label the goodies. Have attendees label their dishes with sticky notes and list potential allergens—like nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, and soy. Encourage contributors to include their name on the label so that others can contact them for the recipe.
5. Share the reasons why. Schedule a moment during the feast to discuss how participating in Meatless Monday is a great way to positively impact your health and the health of the planet. Check out Slow Food’s Meatless Monday Toolkit to learn talking points and discover how you can personally inspire restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other organizations to get on board.
