National Trust members divided as vote passes to implement a 50% plant-based menu across its 300 food outlets.
The vote took place at the National Trust’s Annual General Meeting held this past weekend at Newcastle Civic Centre, where 57,490 members voted in favour of the change which will increase the proportion of plant-based options on menus from 40% to 50%.
Those in favour of the change credit the orgaisation’s forward-thinking stance on food and its impact on the environment as opposing members are unhappy with both the outcome and the voting process with
The conservation charity cares for over 250,000 hectares of farmland, 780 miles of coastline, and more than 500 historic properties, gardens, and nature reserves throughout the U.K.
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This proposal supports the National Trust’s goal of reaching net zero by 2030, however, it sparked backlash among some members who argued that the motion forced people to eat foods they did not choose and that the Trust should be supporting its livestock tenant farmers.
Despite this opposition, the Trust’s board of trustees backed the decision and stated: “We already have a number of plant-based options, and we will keep dairy, egg, and meat on the menu as well.
“…Serving a wider range of plant-based options can help us appeal to more potential visitors, which will ultimately generate funds to help look after the places and collections in our care.”
