US President Joe Biden held a state dinner at the White House in June to celebrate the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Why was it special? The menu was developed by vegan chef Nina Curtis and the entire evening was based on plant-based dishes.

First lady Dr. Jill Biden hired plant-based chef Nina Curtis to prepare the menu. The dinner, according to the chef, „aimed to promote sustainability and inclusivity while blending cultural influences.”

This is not the first time that vegan food has appeared at important meetings of world leaders. At last year’s G7 summit, a mostly plant-based menu was served. At the summit, held in Germany, where meat consumption is declining, world leaders discussed a range of issues, including the climate crisis.

In an era of climate catastrophe, catering in state institutions should be 100% plant-based. Animal agriculture is responsible for at least 14.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Animal farming also contributes to deforestation and biodiversity loss. Experts from bodies such as the UN and Oxford University argue that there should be a global shift to a predominantly plant-based diet to combat the impact of our food system on the environment and the planet.

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