Here is what the page “Veggie Thursdays and vegan surprises! How Ghent became a plant-based paradise” contains. The Guardian Lifestyle Oct 21, 2026 • 4:00 AM Ghent, Belgium, has transformed its food culture with the introduction of 'Veggie Day' every Thursday, encouraging residents to skip meat and fish. The initiative, launched in 2009, has seen remarkable success: the percentage of residents identifying as flexitarian jumped from 13% in 2014 to 83% this year. Schools like BS De Stadspoort primary school serve meat-free meals such as falafel, vegetable tagine, and couscous, with children happily eating them.
The city's approach includes collaboration with restaurants, work canteens, and community centers, making plant-based eating accessible and appealing. Ghent's model demonstrates how local policy can shift dietary habits, benefiting both health and the environment. As other cities look to reduce meat consumption, Ghent offers a proven blueprint for change. The full version stays on the original page, which this listing opens directly.