Office of the Mayor Jaroclamation: WHEREAS, City of Wilmington is committed to the well-being and good health of its citizens, and to the preservation of the environment and natural resources; and WHEREAS, the United Nations recognizes that "Livestock are one of the most significant contributors to today's most serious environmental problems" and recently wrote, “Eat less meat, poultry, and fish” as a way individuals can make a difference to curb climate change; and WHEREAS, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that meat- free diets are associated with lower cholesterol, lower risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and lower risk of hypertension and type 2 diabetes; and WHEREAS, neatly all animals who are raised for food in the U.S. are confined on massive factory farms, and The Humane Society of the United States reports that taking a weekly holiday from meat and enjoying more delicious plant-based meals helps spare animals from severe suffering; and WHEREAS, “Meatless Monday,” a global initiative promoted in over 35 countries and at numerous environmental, health and animal welfare organizations, encourages people to try alternatives to meat at least one day a week to improve their health, the environment and animal welfare. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DENNIS P. WILLIAMS, Mayor of the City of Wilmington, Delaware, do hereby proclaim September 22, 2014, as Meatless Monday throughout the city in support of comprehensive sustainability efforts as well as to further encourage residents to eat a more varied plant-based diet to protect their health, protect animals, and protect the environment. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set_my Hand and Seal of Office this_22 day of __September_, 2014. Denne? Ilettioms Mayor ATTEST: e City Cle’