THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 17, 1995 TAG: 9503170009
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A20 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
On March 20, thousands of people will be celebrating the 11th annual observance of the Great American Meatout, which started as a grass-roots campaign to persuade consumers to replace animal fat and meat with grains, vegetables and fruit.
We are confronted daily with news of escalating medical costs. Unfortunately, the health of the average American is threatened by heart disease, stroke, cancer and other diseases associated with the consumption of animal meat and fat. Illnesses caused by meat-born salmonella or E. coli contribute to the scenario.
It is time that concerned folks start questioning their dietary practices, not only for their health but for the welfare of the animals and the environment. Modern factory-farming practices cause suffering for billions of animals and pollute our land and water sources.
We are fortunate to live in a time and place that afford us both the knowledge and means to improve our health and help the planet. For those who want more information and support on these issues, an animal-rights symposium is being held on March 25 at the Norfolk Hilton.
VICTORIA BARBEE
Virginia Beach, March 6, 1995 by CNB