FEDERAL SUBSIDIES FOR RESTAURANTS GOING 50% PLANT-BASED BY 2025 / {Governmental Action}
When it comes to taking meaningful action based on the apparent climate reality, it appears the U.S. government is woefully behind other countries (such as Germany). But sooner or later the heat is going to be on to do much more. And the U.S. is going to need practical ideas that encourage the population to eat for the planet. So here is one idea. Every restaurant in America (recognized by the IRS) that evolves their menu to be at least 50% plant based by 2025, will receive a substantial incentive. Any restaurant already at or above 50% plant based would qualify to receive their bonus as well. How much would each restaurant get? Depends on how serious the government wants to take an idea like this. It’s roughly estimated that there are over one million restaruants in the U.S. If each were to earn $5,000 for this, well, that’s five billion dollars (thank you math). Is that too much for the government to invest to completely transform the attitude of the nation, and the world? We don’t think so.
But let’s leave that question for a minute and think about what an idea like this might do, even if only a fraction of U.S. restaurants actually change their menu. What a signal to the world! What a way to encourage restaurants that are super far way from 50% plant based to contemplate their impact (take a classic steak house, for example). We submit that this idea would give a priceless opportunity for seriously considering the nature and responsibility of any food business. Furthermore, if $5,000 is not a big enough incentive for a major chain to consider such an operational change - keep in mind that the bonus would be given for each location. If McDonald’s were to do this? Wow. That could be significant revenue.
Obviously, this is an idea that would make international news, spark global discussion, and work to radically normalize our collective need to change what we eat. For the planet. It takes the subject away from philosophy or ethics and puts it into the “responsibility required in this era” category. Further, it’s a way to meet folks where they are - at the restaurants they already frequent. Imagine Taco Bell at 50% plant based. Imagine Wendy’s doing so too - with a plant-milk Frosty and equal number of sandwich options that don’t use animals. The plant-based movement is obviously on the upswing, and that’s great. But it needs to become more normalized – and fast. Here’s a way to do it. Take it away, Joe.