Chicken Nugget Wannabe's
By Trent LoosWhy is it we always want what is hard to find? Ironically at a time when beef is in shorter supply than any time in recent history the demand seems to be going through the roof? Reports indicate that 20 percent of American consumers are following some form of high protein, low carbohydrate diet. James Mintert from Kansas State University has even been quoted as saying, “You can speculate on how much of it is attributable to Atkins. But I do think there's been some kind of underlying shift among consumers about beef versus some other products they consume, a recognition on their part that it's OK to eat beef.” The end result is that many people at all levels of beef production are getting some much needed healing.
I would like to address the public’s perception of meat. Recently, we have seen a rash of letters and lawsuits against fast food restaurants chastising them for serving meat entrees. The NAACP even sent Kentucky Fried Chicken a letter asking for them to stop abusing and breeding chickens by using them for food. That prompted me to write my own letter to the Veg City Diner in New York, New York. Unlike the more popular anti-meat letters, my letter has not been picked up by any major media outlets. I think you might be interested in my suggestions for the proprietors of the Veg City Diner.
Veg City Diner
55 West 14th Street
New York City, NY 10013As a sixth generation United States livestock farmer, I feel compelled to let you know, on behalf of all American farmers in this country, we are offended! I met an acquaintance in your diner for what I expected would be a vegetarian meal. This was my first time in such an establishment. What I witnessed was a menu that included such items as chicken nuggets, meatloaf, cheeseburgers and numerous other meat items. I was certainly puzzled by this because I was led to believe that I was dining in a strictly vegetarian restaurant. When I inquired about these menu items, I was informed, “indeed these were plant-based proteins but they were so named because we are a society in transition.”
As a business owner, I believe you have the right to serve only vegan and vegetarian items if you choose. However, I take great issue with the manner in which you misrepresent these food items. Those of us in the farming community have invested endless hours and countless dollars in an effort to improve the quality of meat products available to the public. As a result of those efforts, United States consumers have developed high expectations for our products and now consume more meat per capita than at any time in the history of this country. Actually, the U.S. citizen eats 212 lbs of meat annually.
Farmers and ranchers place tremendous emphasis on genetic selection, feed quality, feed efficiency and the eating quality of our product. In addition, millions of dollars are spent by the meat industry to educate health-conscious consumers about the improved nutritional qualities of today’s meat products.
Perhaps you should consider this anti-meat campaign from the farm animals’ point of view. Every farm animal produced for human consumption must take pride in the fact that their generation has excelled beyond the quality and nutrition standards of previous generations. It is a shame for you to thumb your nose at the goal these animals have to be the “center of the plate” in an American’s well-rounded meal.
On behalf of all farmers and farm animals who are proud of the meat products produced on American farms, please consider re-naming the plant-based protein items on your menu to something that more accurately reflects their true origins.
Respectfully,
Trent D. LoosIf you are interested in checking out the meatless menu of the Veg City Diner, you can find them on the web by clicking HERE. Maybe you can browse through it while you are enjoying a big slab of ribs!
