The resolution includes several action items to support food system change both globally and locally: formally endorsing the Plant Based Treaty to call for a global shift toward more plant-based food systems; calling on Massachusetts and the Federal government to promote state and federal policies to reduce food-based emissions, and prioritize plant-based food purchasing as a centerpiece of greenhouse gas emission policies; calling on the mayor to incorporate plant-based solutions into Climate Forward, implement plant-based purchasing practices for city events, and use municipal communications channels to promote plant-based food and drink practices throughout the city; calling on the city to promote a “Somerville Plant-Based Restaurant Week”, highlighting local restaurants offering plant-based options; sending a copy of this resolution to be forwarded to Somerville’s sister cities in Italy, El Salvador, Morocco, and Portugal, encouraging them to also endorse the Plant Based Treaty.

In the lead up to the vote, Somerville residents and the Plant Based Treaty Boston volunteer team looked into Somerville’s consumption-based greenhouse gas inventory, which found that the biggest contribution to the city’s emissions was from food, and found that the most significant way to reduce emissions is for residents to shift toward more plant-based diets. The report included three policy recommendations: 1) serve plant-based food at city events to familiarize the public and inspire them to eat plant-based at home, 2) transition the school cafeterias to more plant-based, and 3) include more options and labeling of plant-based options at restaurants and grocery stores.

The Plant Based Treaty team’s goal is to help the city implement these policy recommendations, and they have already started by launching a new initiative – Somerville Plant-Based Restaurant Week, inviting dozens of local businesses to participate by offering discounts or new 100% plant-based special menu items. After educating Councilors about plant-based food system solutions, Plant Based Treaty, and the city’s consumption-based inventory, Councilor Naima Sait developed the resolution and Councilors Mbah, Link, Clingan, Hardt signed on to co-sponsor the resolution.

Quote from Ward 5 Councilor, Naima Sait, who sponsored the resolution:
“As a former educator, I believe that the City has an important role in terms of educating individuals on the benefits of plant-based diets in improving health, addressing food access and reducing consumption based emissions. This resolution puts that into action by including a number of ways for Somerville to take action in educating the community and promoting more sustainable and equitable food systems.”

Quote from Council Vice President, Wilfred Mbah, who co-sponsored the resolution:
“This resolution reflects Somerville’s commitment to tackling the climate crisis with bold, practical solutions. Supporting the Plant Based Treaty is about reducing emissions, improving public health, and making sustainable choices more accessible for everyone in our community. By promoting plant-based options and leading by example, we’re taking meaningful steps toward a more resilient, equitable, and climate-forward future.”

Quote from Councilor At Large, Jon Link, who co-sponsored the resolution:
“I’ve been vegetarian for most of my life. It’s my personal choice because factory farming is not only inherently cruel, at scale it’s horrible for the climate. This resolution is both personal and practical. Food is one of Somerville’s largest sources of consumption-based emissions. If we all shifted towards plant-based options, even just a little, it could make a real impact.”

Quote from Somerville Resident, Veronika Potter:
“As a native Cantabrigian and long-time informal plant-based food advocate, I began volunteering with the Plant Based Treaty after learning about the Cambridge endorsement. I was empowered by my hometown taking action to promote a plant-based food system and wanted to help Somerville, the city I now call home, take leadership at the global level on equitable and sustainable food systems.”

Quote from Somerville resident and dedicated volunteer:
“We must urgently shift towards plant based food systems: the future of the planet depends on it. I’m proud that Somerville is calling for a Plant Based Treaty and I hope other cities follow suit.”

Quote from New England Plant Based Treaty Campaigner, Kimmy Cushman:
“With such a supportive city council, the Somerville campaign has been quickly gaining momentum. And the endorsement fits in perfectly with Earth Month, where we are all reminded to look at how we can better care for our planet. Directly following the endorsement, we’re excited to promote the first ever Somerville Plant-Based Restaurant Week from April 18 – 25 as an actionable way for the whole community to get involved in celebrating Somerville’s endorsement of the Plant Based Treaty.”

Background Information:

The Plant Based Treaty is modeled on the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and since its launch in August 2021, the initiative has received support from 70 cities, more than a quarter of a million individual endorsers, 5 Nobel laureates, IPCC scientists, and more than 5000 groups and businesses, including chapters of Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth.

The Plant Based Treaty has secured high-profile endorsements from celebrities, including Paul, Mary and Stella McCartney, who issued a written statement calling for politicians to support the Plant Based Treaty. They said: “We believe in justice for animals, the environment and people. That’s why we support the Plant Based Treaty and urge individuals and governments to sign it.”

Learn more at plantbasedtreaty.org