A disgruntled shopper wants to use social networking media to complain to a national grocery chain about its promotion of meatless meals.
Laura Bodell of Sherwood Park, Alta., was prompted to take action after reading a short article in Sobeys’ Inspired magazine that promoted meatless meals as a way to save the environment.
She wants livestock producers to start a letter writing campaign on Facebook and Twitter to ensure Sobeys understands how it is undermining thousands of farmers who supply them with meat.
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“Ten years ago I would never have been able to share this with other livestock producers or consumers,” the graphic designer said.
“My clients’ livelihood is based on the popularity of beef.”
Sobeys replied to her comments, saying it agrees the issue is controversial but added there are many different opinions on the matter.
It did not offer a retraction in the magazine, which is intended to promote the chain’s grocery products.
Company spokesperson Michael Lupine said there was no political intent in the article.
The rest of the magazine featured many recipes that included meat and seafood, he added.
“They try to cover the gamut of things that interest people who are foodies,” Lupien said.
The store also has a policy of buying local whenever possible and in season. Those purchases include all types of meat.
“Their purchasing policy is to start as close to the store as possible so that means in every province, we are looking at local suppliers first,” he said.
The article in the spring edition of the magazine referred to studies that suggest eating less meat is better for the environment because of the amount of land and water livestock uses. It also refers to cattle producing methane, a greenhouse gas.
“Not only will you benefit the environment but you’ll also lower your cholesterol and saturated fat intake,” the article said.
“Start by choosing one day a week, Meatless Mondays are popular, and an alternative protein for all meals.… You’ll be all the more appreciative of that juicy steak on Tuesday.”
The article also recommended checking Canada’s Food Guide.
Readers are welcome to write directly to the editor of the publication at editor@compliments.ca.
