Beginning in 2027, all vegetarian MREs will be replaced with vegan options
WASHINGTON — In a groundbreaking move recently announced by Pentagon News, the U.S. military will replace its four vegetarian MREs (meals ready to eat) with fully plant-based versions in 2027. The change comes after years of advocacy by Mercy For Animals and its network of military-connected volunteers, and it marks the first time in U.S. history that plant-based rations will be standard-issue options for troops.
“This is a monumental victory for animals and proof of what sustained advocacy can achieve,” said Frances Chrzan, senior federal policy manager at Mercy For Animals. “After years of working alongside Rep. Ro Khanna, active-duty personnel and veterans, we’re thrilled to see the Department of Defense take this step. This win reduces suffering at an institutional scale and provides ethical, healthful food choices to those who serve.”
Mercy For Animals began working on military food procurement in 2021, with the goal of bringing humane, sustainable options to U.S. service members. In 2022, Mercy For Animals promoted language in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act directing the Department of Defense to assess demand for plant-based MREs and submit a report outlining a plan to provide them.
Although the report was not released on schedule, the outcome is clear: In 2027, four of the military’s 24 MREs will be entirely plant-based. Mercy For Animals estimates that the military issues over 37 million MREs annually and that this shift could result in 6.5 million plant-based MREs served each year. Crucially, this change could spare a significant number of animals the suffering inherent in factory farming.
Mercy For Animals’ 2022 survey of 226 active-duty service members revealed a clear demand for change:
- 81% believed the military should provide more plant-based options.
- 69% said more plant-based MRE options should be available.
- 63% said they would choose plant-based MREs if given the option.
- 81% wanted more climate-friendly MRE options.
- 63% believed plant-based foods were more sustainable.
Representative Khanna championed the cause in Congress, supporting the NDAA amendment and holding the Department of Defense accountable for progress.
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Melanie Greene at [email protected].
###
Mercy For Animals is a leading international nonprofit working to end industrial animal agriculture by constructing a just and sustainable food system. Active in Brazil, Canada, India, Mexico, Southeast Asia and the United States, the organization has conducted over 100 investigations of factory farms and slaughterhouses, influenced over 500 corporate policies and helped pass historic legislation to ban cages for farmed animals. Learn more at MercyForAnimals.org.
