October 2009

The Vegetarian Society Awards 2009
Special Achievement Award Winner
30 October 2009

Among the categories rewarding large manufacturers, caterers and small businesses for their excellence in serving the vegetarian market, the Vegetarian Society last night presented a Special Achievement Award to the Meat Free Monday campaign launched and supported by Sir Paul McCartney and his daughters Mary and Stella McCartney."

The past twelve months have seen a dramatic increase in discussions about climate change and how we can each reduce our impact on the planet. The Meat Free Monday campaign has made a huge contribution to the debate, raising the issue of dietary choices with the media, the public and the food industry.

Annette Pinner, Chief Executive of the Vegetarian Society said, “The Meat Free Monday campaign has really pushed the debate about reducing your meat intake into the public arena. Inspiring but challenging, this campaign has reached manufacturers, organisations and the media as well as ordinary consumers.”

Pat Thomas, Campaign Director for Meat Free Monday said, "We've been bowled over by the support that Meat Free Monday has had from people all over the world and are thrilled that the Vegetarian Society has chosen to honour our efforts with this award. As more and more people recognise the value of meat-reduction in the fight against climate change, groups like the Vegetarian Society have an especially important role to play in helping to inform and support them in their dietary choices and showing them that a day without meat can be both a delicious and meaningful way to make a difference."

The Vegetarian Society Awards 2009 winners were announced last night at the Magic Circle Headquarters in London. The evening was hosted by Wendy Turner Webster, broadcaster and author, and patron of the Vegetarian Society.

This is the Vegetarian Society Awards’ ninth year and guests came from across the UK to celebrate the very best in vegetarian food, catering, and lifestyle, highlighting to the nation those companies and services which make life better for vegetarians in the UK.

Notes to editors
• For press information please contact Liz or Su on 0161 925 2000 or press@vegsoc.org mobile 07973 108 165/7, visit www.vegsoc.org/press
• For a full list of award winners and the associated press releases please contact Liz or Su.
• Photographs of the award celebrations will be available.
• Press contact details for the Meat Free Monday campaign: Pat Thomas, info@supportmfm.org 07950 231240.