Million Dollar Vegan, which operates in ten countries and has inspired over 130,000 people to switch to a plant-based diet this year, was established to raise awareness of how the rearing and consumption of animals affects the environment, farmed animals, wildlife populations, and human health – including the global risks of zoonotic diseases and antibiotic resistance. Rakul who went vegan earlier in the year, has become a passionate advocate for the cause. With Rakul’s support, 1000 meals a day will be served on July 11, 12, 18 and 19 across Dharavi Slum by the Million Dollar Vegan team. The menu will include delicious Massoor Biryani with Vegetables.
Every act of kindness creates a ripple and we want to do our part to help the most vulnerable during this difficult time. This is the time for action and change. And change starts with our hearts. I am very proud to have partnered with Million Dollar Vegan to gift vegan meals to those in need and educate the public about plant-based diets and how to effectively prevent the spread of the virus.”Rakul preet said.
As Dharavi residents come to collect their meal, they will learn more about the source of the coronavirus pandemic, and that while animals are used for food there will always be another pandemic waiting to spread. This is because three-quarters of emerging infectious diseases come from animals – both wild and farmed. Viruses jump into humans when we eat, exploit or confine them in intensive farms or spaces.
Along with Indian celebrities like Rakul, the organisation is backed by many well-known Hollywood names including actress Alicia Silverstone, American singer-songwriter Mýa, Brazilian TV-star Luisa Mell, Argentinian rapper Cacha, and Indian popstar Anushka Manchanda — as well as renowned public health experts, educators and scientists.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three-quarters of emerging infectious diseases come from animals. [1]
Says Dr. Michael Greger: “We can take steps to prevent the next pandemic and, to do so, we need look no further than our own plates. There are no prions in plants; you can’t get coronaviruses from cauliflower, and there’s no flu in falafel production.”
Through its relief efforts, Million Dollar Vegan aims to actively support and care for those most in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst at the same time raising awareness of how we might prevent another, perhaps more devastating, zoonotic outbreak in the future.
While scientists make the connection between pandemics and our treatment of animals, nutritionists and doctors are also sharing research that indicates eating plant-based foods may help strengthen and support our immune systems. One study found that within two weeks of a fruit- and veggie-deficient diet, immune function plummeted. [2]
Says Dr. Campbell, of the Centre for Nutritional Studies: “A whole foods plant-based diet can prevent, perhaps even reverse, the chronic degenerative diseases which make older individuals more susceptible to COVID-19 while simultaneously increasing immunity by inactivating the COVID-19 itself.”
Rakul Preet says there has never been a more important time for people to re-evaluate their relationship with animals, to make the switch to a plant-based diet, and to join their global campaign to #TakePandemicsOffTheMenu.
Says Amy Aela, India Outreach Manager of Million Dollar Vegan: “The purpose of this campaign with actress Rakul Preet Singh is not just to feed the needy, we want to create awareness about the Coronavirus and how densely populated slums like Dharavi can take precautions to effectively control the spreading of this pandemic and prevent further outbreaks. ”
