Laws in Portugal Mandate Vegan Options in All Public Institutions, Including Schools, Universities, Hospitals, and Prisons
Portugal: Pioneering Vegan Options in Public Institutions
In 2017, Portugal made a groundbreaking move by becoming the first country to mandate the provision of vegan meal options in all public institutions, including schools, universities, hospitals, and prisons. This landmark legislation was the result of a successful petition initiated by the Portuguese Vegetarian Society (Associação Vegetariana Portuguesa), which garnered over 15,000 signatures, reflecting a significant public demand for plant-based meal options.
The Legislative Journey
The journey towards this legislative milestone began in 2015 when the Portuguese Vegetarian Society launched a petition advocating for the inclusion of vegan options in public canteens. The petition quickly gained traction, amassing more than 15,000 signatures and capturing the attention of the Portuguese Parliament. By early 2016, the…
