SUPPORTERS
Some amazing people showing their love for National Vegetarian Week 2026!
Mary McCartney
Everybody has a different reason for being vegetarian, and for me if I had to pick one thing, it would be for the animals. Image credit: @grace.guppy
Chris Packham – wildlife TV presenter and conservationist
Helping the environment can feel overwhelming, but each of us can make a difference, and it's easy to do. By reducing or cutting out meat, we can lower our carbon footprint, helping the planet and all its occupants. That's why I am supporting National Vegetarian Week. Sign up, try some of the delicious vegetarian recipes, and know you're having a positive impact!
Meera Sodha – food writer and chef
National Vegetarian week is the perfect week to put delicious vegetables at the centre of the table.
Stevie Martin – Comedian, Writer and Actor
If you’re veg-curious, this is the perfect week to make a positive change for you and the planet. It used to be so hard to eat vegetarian/vegan because there were so few options – I used to find myself constantly stressing out in restaurants and even at friends’ houses, feeling like a pain – but now there are so many options when eating out, there’s loads in the supermarket for eating in and people are thankfully waking up to how delicious and easy veggie food can be!
Heather Small MBE
Live well, eat vegetarian. It’s worked for me for over 30 years – for my health, the planet, and the animals. This National Vegetarian Week, try a few veggie/vegan meals and feel the difference.
Dave Spikey – award-winning comedian, writer, presenter
I'm delighted to support National Vegetarian Week – please join in! I've been vegetarian for over 40 years, initially motivated by my desire to help protect animals. This is a great week for first steps, whatever your motivation may be.
Katy Beskow – chef and author
I’m very proud to support National Vegetarian Week. Celebrate local, seasonal produce and cook something delicious, knowing you’re helping the planet, animals, and making sustainable choices for yourself. Cooking with plants is fast and simple, and by eating seasonally, you’ll always have something new on your plate.
Dame Joanna Lumley
Please will you join me this National Vegetarian Week? All we ask is that you choose some fabulously simple swaps and eat more delicious veggie food. Do give it a try – it’s so easy to make these small steps that will show our planet, and animals, a little kindness. Thank you!
Gavin Wren – Food Policy Specialist
Eating a diet rich in plants is one of the simplest yet most effective actions we can take for our own health and the planet. Having tried 15 diets over two years, I was shocked to discover my biggest cravings were for fruit and veg, and I felt great when I ate a lot of them. I’d recommend everyone join in National Vegetarian Week.
Nathan Collymore, Executive Head Chef
I don’t believe an animal’s life is worth a moment of pleasure on a plate. With the rate of consumption staggering, and learning that being plant based is about having empathy for all living animals, people and planet we live on, I truly believe a simple change diet one’s brings peace to the mind and body, and in turn how you treat the planet and all that live on it.
Michaela Strachan, award-winning TV presenter and author
Being vegetarian or even deciding to eat less meat, is such a simple, personal and positive step to helping the environment. Feel empowered, make a difference, strive for a more plant-based diet.
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall – founder of River Cottage and author of 'How To Eat 30 Plants a Week'
Deliver more deliciousness to your plate this National Vegetarian Week. It’s a wonderful opportunity to have fun and experiment with some tasty and exciting new recipes, and to eat more glorious vegetables! Good for you and good for the planet.
Joe Woodhouse – Food / Drink Photographer & Cookbook Author
There is such a wonderful array of vegetables out there to discover. So many textures, colours and flavours. Paired with wonderful world cuisines to help bring out their best. We are living in a brilliant time to be eating more veg.
Ali Honour – Chef / Author / Plant Obsessed
Wearing your veg might turn heads – but eating it will change the world. We don’t need more food, we need better food – food that nourishes our bodies, supports farmers, and respects the planet. Putting more plants on our plates is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to improve our health, cut waste, and fix a broken food system – building a future that feeds everyone.
Jackie Kearney – Masterchef finalist, author and chef
National Vegetarian Week is a great chance to focus on vegetable-based dishes and share enticing recipes. And hopefully encourage us to incorporate more plant-based food in our diets, which is better for our own health and the planet.
Minal Patel, Head Chef at award-winning restaurant Prashad / Great British Menu / Chef of the Year: The Oliver Awards 2025
There are so many incredible alternatives to meat, that it’s never been easier (or more delicious) to go vegetarian! And National Vegetarian Week is a great opportunity to try it out and get experimental with new recipes. Vegetables take on the flavours from herbs and spices so well, so forget about all things bland and boiled, and cook up some seriously tasty meat-free meals.
Anna Jones – cook/writer/best-selling author
National Vegetarian Week encourages us, for just one week, to put a spotlight on delicious vegetable-centred meals. We all know we should be eating more vegetables and less meat, fish and dairy, for both our bodies and the planet and now is the time.
Sophia Ellis – Team GB Powerlifter & Coach
Being vegan, to me, is about so much more than what’s on my plate, it’s a choice that reflects my values. It supports my performance as an athlete, protects the planet, allows me to live consciously, and honours my compassion for animals. I’m proud to show that you can build strength, muscle, and truly thrive without relying on animal products – don’t underestimate what’s possible just because it challenges the status quo. National Vegetarian Week is a great opportunity to explore how powerful small changes can be.
Noreen Khan – Award-Winning Radio and TV Presenter
I decided to turn vegetarian at the age of 13 and was inspired by my mum who was also vegetarian. Turning veggie was one of the best things I ever did, and I’ve never looked back. There are so many incredible veg options available and I’d highly recommend anyone considering turning veggie to give it a go!
Cathy Cassidy – bestselling, award-winning author
I went veggie age 14 – that's a LONG time ago now! My reason was that I didn't want to eat animals, and I've found it a natural and healthy way to eat, as well as a kind one. Veggie food isn't just healthy, it's varied and delicious – there's never been a better time to ditch the meat. Go on, join us for National Vegetarian Week!
Elly Curshen, aka Elly Pear – author and food writer
I’m delighted to be involved in National Vegetarian Week and want to encourage everyone to try making some swaps, however small, and try some plant-based meals this week! There’s so much out there to inspire you and I hope you find something new that you love!
Miguel Barclay – Chef, presenter and best selling author
Celebrating National Vegetarian Week is a great opportunity to let people know about the wonders of vegetarian food. Some people will be giving it a try for the whole week, and after this week, even if they don’t fully commit to a wholly vegetarian diet moving forward, they’ll almost certainly be incorporating more vegetarian meals into their lives.
John Robb – journalist, TV and radio presenter, best-selling pop culture author, musician
Try it! You might even like it! Drop the meat a couple of days a week and save a furry friend, the planet and yourself!
Matt Pritchard – chef and author
Let’s all practice Ahimsa for National Vegetarian Week and beyond!
Özlem Warren – food writer and author
Based on seasonal produce, whole grains, naturally flavoured with olive oil, spices, nuts, Turkish cuisine offers vibrant, easy, flavoursome choices for the vegetarian diet. I am so delighted to be a part of the Vegetarian Society's National Vegetarian Week to showcase our delicious, doable vegetarian Turkish flavours – Afiyet Olsun!
Kwoklyn Wan – chef, restaurateur, presenter and author
Eating less meat and incorporating more vegetarian dishes into your diet not only benefits your health but also enriches your culinary experience. Embracing vegetarianism connects you with nature and promotes a sense of peace and mindfulness, making it a fulfilling choice for both body and soul. Rediscover the humble vegetable and unlock a world of flavours that nourish and delight our souls.
Annabelle Randles, a.k.a. The Flexitarian – food writer and author
Reducing the amount of meat in our diet benefits our health and the health of the planet. National Vegetarian Week is a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself to make plants centre stage for a week. Having so many delicious recipes to try, makes it easy and manageable. Enjoy!
Claire Thomson – chef, food writer, podcaster and author
Eat more veg, I think it’s catching on! I can cook with vegetables breakfast, lunch and dinner, the variety and versatility when it comes to cooking vegetarian food is jaw dropping, and I am in my element with a big pile of veg – slap-bang-centre – on my chopping board to cook with here at home.
Mark Diacono – Food Writer
Whether you're an omnivore, vegan or vegetarian, National Vegetarian Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the best of what we grow, and to perhaps reset how we eat to tread a little lighter on the planet, eat more seasonally and maximise deliciousness by putting vegetables more at the heart of our diet.
Eddie Shepherd – award winning chef
National Vegetarian week is a great time to explore cooking and eating fantastic and varied plant-based meals. There’s never been more options, information, and exciting ideas out there to make this a fun and delicious opportunity to eat well and help the planet.
Charles Dowding – No Dig Gardener and Writer
I feel so good when I eat loads of no dig vegetables and encourage anyone who can to grow their own. When you have a good supply of homegrown vegetables, you’re not gonna miss the meat!
Rose Elliot – vegetarian and vegan cookery writer
I am delighted to support National Vegetarian Week. Whether you are a flexitarian, “veggie curious” or simply fancy a change, National Vegetarian Week is a fantastic opportunity to try some delicious vegetarian meals. Do it for the taste sensation, do it for your health, do it for the planet and most of all, do it for the animals. Happy cooking!
Rebecca Gade Sawicki – Veggies Abroad
At Veggies Abroad, we believe exploring the world through a plant-based lens is one of the most rewarding adventures you can take. Food is such a powerful part of travel—it’s not only a sensory experience, but it can lead you to hidden neighbourhoods, local gems, and meaningful connections you might have otherwise missed. Living and traveling cruelty-free opens the door to a more compassionate, curious, and connected world.
Denai Moore, chef and author
Happy National Vegetarian Week!
Hector Pardoe – Olympic open-water marathon swimmer
As a lifelong vegetarian I have competed in two Olympics and won a World Championship medal whilst staying true to a vegetarian diet. It's about making choices that are kind to the planet, animals and one's own body. So, this National Vegetarian Week, I encourage you to try out some amazing veggie meals – small changes can make a big impact on your health and the environment.
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