Assembly Resolution No. 602

BY: M. of A. Epstein

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
November 1, 2023, as Vegan Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 1, 2023, as Vegan
Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
World Vegan Day; and

WHEREAS, World Vegan Day is an annual event celebrated by vegans
around the world every November 1st; and

WHEREAS, The day was established in 1994 by Louise Wallis, then
President and Chair of The Vegan Society, the oldest vegan society in
the world which was founded in the United Kingdom in 1944; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of World Vegan Day is to recognize and champion
the vegan lifestyle, which has health, animal welfare, and environmental
benefits; and

WHEREAS, World Vegan Day is also an opportunity to bring together
the vegan community in supporting one another; and

WHEREAS, Vegans eat a plant-based diet and avoid all animal foods
including meat, fish, shellfish and insects; and

WHEREAS, Two in three Americans have stopped or reduced their meat
consumption, according to Cambridge University researchers; and

WHEREAS, Increasingly, Americans, including New Yorkers, are
recognizing the appeal of eating vegan alternatives; between 2021 and
2022, sales of vegan foods which are direct replacements for milk and
meat have grown; and

WHEREAS, World Vegan Day is celebrated around the world as a time to
recognize how far the vegan movement has come, reflect on their
successes, and to highlight how accessible and beneficial a vegan
lifestyle is; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 1, 2023, as Vegan
Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; and The Vegan Society.