Target: Charlie Jacobs, Lou Jacobs, and Jerry Jacobs, Co-CEOs of Delaware North
Goal: Urge food provider Delaware North to prioritize plant-based menu options to protect animals and the environment.
Delaware North, the fourth-largest foodservice provider in the United States, fails to offer adequate plant-based options in its menus across nearly 200 venues, which serve millions of customers. Despite claims of environmental stewardship through their GreenPath program, the company has allegedly neglected a critical aspect of sustainability: addressing the detrimental impacts of animal agriculture. Animal agriculture is linked to significant environmental issues, including 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while consuming vast land and water resources. This oversight ultimately harms the planet, communities, and animals.
Compared to plant-based alternatives, the production of animal products requires disproportionate amounts of resources. For instance, it takes 11 times more land and 13 times more fresh water to produce cows’ milk than oat milk. Furthermore, despite occupying 80% of agricultural land, animal products contribute to only a fraction of global protein supply and calories. Notably, Delaware North’s competitors, such as Xanterra, have made commitments to plant-based offerings, showing that leadership in sustainability is both possible and necessary.
Therefore, it is essential for Delaware North to re-evaluate its commitment to sustainability in light of the pressing ecological challenges. The demand is clear: Delaware North must implement a strategic plan to significantly incorporate plant-based food options into its offerings across all U.S. locations, aligning its practices with genuine sustainability goals.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Co-CEOs of Delaware North,
It has come to the attention of many concerned individuals that Delaware North, despite its position as a leading foodservice provider, is falling short in its commitment to sustainability. The company’s GreenPath program, which aims to reduce environmental impact, overlooks the significant role of animal agriculture in contributing to ecological crises. This oversight fails to acknowledge that animal agriculture is responsible for a staggering 14.5% of human-caused global greenhouse gas emissions, and requires vast amounts of land and water resources.
The environmental impact of continuing to prioritize animal products over plant-based options cannot be overstated. Producing cow’s milk generates three times the greenhouse gas emissions compared to oat milk, while also drawing heavily on fresh water and land. With competitors like Xanterra leading the way by committing to plant-based options, the pressure for Delaware North to adopt a similar stance becomes even more critical. It is time for Delaware North to step up, embrace sustainability for the future, and prioritize animal-free foods in its menus.
In light of these pressing concerns and the clear moral obligation to promote a healthier planet and protect animal welfare, we urge you to pledge to incorporate significant plant-based menu options into all locations across the U.S. Your leadership in this initiative will not only align with sustainable practices but also cater to the growing demand for compassionate, environmentally friendly food choices.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
