Dear Editor,

I just learned that Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey proclaimed March 20 as the Great American Meatout Day, urging citizens to explore a healthful diet of vegetables, fresh fruits, legumes, and whole grains.

Hopefully, as the first day of spring, it will also bring to a close one of the snowiest years in the Hoover area.

The Meatout.org website claims that the observance has grown since 1985 into the world’s largest annual grassroots diet education campaign. Hundreds of communities in all 50 states and two dozen other countries host educational events.

They ask visitors to turn over a new leaf on the first day of spring, to kick the meat habit, and to get a fresh start with a healthful diet of vegetables, fresh fruits, legumes, and whole grains.

For those who need a little encouragement, the website also provides useful information and an opportunity to pledge a meat-free diet for one day or more.

Boris Cantor

Birmingham