Sir Paul McCartney is leading a host of high-profile celebrities, chefs and food writers calling on the public to try eating more veggie food for a week, with a focus on incorporating more beans, as National Vegetarian Week returns this week, from 1–7 October 2026.
First launched in 1992 and an annual initiative by the Vegetarian Society, National Vegetarian Week has inspired the nation to explore the benefits of vegetarian and vegan food for more than 30 years.
Sir Paul McCartney and the McCartney family are patrons of the Vegetarian Society and have been at the forefront of promoting plant-based eating for more than three decades. The Linda McCartney Foods brand, launched in 1991, is one of the UK’s best-known meat-free names. The brand carries Vegetarian Society-approved trademark labels, which are used to provide consumers with confidence that the products are vegetarian, vegan or plant-based.
In 2009 Paul, alongside daughters Mary and Stella, also launched the global ‘Meat Free Monday’ campaign, encouraging people to skip meat at least one day a week to help animals, people and planet.
Sir Paul McCartney said:
“I’m a strong believer that we can all make an individual impact every day by choosing what we eat. Not only is following a more plant-based diet better for our own health and kinder to animals, but it’s also much better for the planet.”
A star-studded line-up of celebrities join Sir Paul in supporting this year’s campaign, including wildlife TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham, Dame Joanna Lumley, Heather Small MBE, Michaela Strachan, comedian Stevie Martin and children’s author Cathy Cassidy.
Chris Packham said:
“Helping the environment can feel overwhelming, but each of us can make a difference, and it’s easy to do. By reducing or cutting out meat, we can lower our carbon footprint, helping the planet and all its occupants. That’s why I am supporting National Vegetarian Week. Sign up, try some of the delicious vegetarian recipes, and know you’re having a positive impact!”
They are joined by renowned chefs and food writers including Meera Sodha, Anna Jones, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Sophie Macfie, and Sanjana Modha.
The Vegetarian Society also supports the Bang in Some Beans campaign, alongside Veg Power and the Food Foundation, to promote the benefits of eating beans. Beans, pulses and wholefoods are taking centre stage for this year’s National Vegetarian Week, with Suma as the official sponsor, highlighting their potential as affordable, nutritious and planet-friendly ingredients.
The partnership brings together two organisations with a shared vegetarian heritage. Suma approaches its 50th anniversary next year, while the Vegetarian Society will celebrate 180 years of campaigning. Suma also carries the trusted Vegetarian Society Approved certification marks, helping shoppers identify products that meet the Society’s vegetarian, vegan and plant-based standards.
Sophie Ziegler-Jones, Suma Member, said:
“Supporting National Vegetarian Week feels like a perfect fit for Suma. We’ve been proudly vegetarian since we started back in the 1970s, and nearly 50 years on, we’re still passionate about food that’s vibrant, creative and, above all, full of flavour. Being vegetarian has always been part of who we are, so we’re delighted to support a week that celebrates all the brilliant things plant-based food can bring to the table.”
The independent National Food Strategy, released in 2021 and led by Henry Dimbledee, identified a 30% reduction in meat consumption as necessary to meet the UK’s climate and nature commitments., National Vegetarian Week is encouraging everyone to explore how easy and enjoyable eating veggie can be.
By signing up to National Vegetarian Week, participants will receive a free digital recipe booklet featuring carbon-calculated vegetarian and vegan recipes from leading chefs and food writers.
Whether someone is looking to try veggie food for the first time, reduce their meat consumption, or find new inspiration for everyday meals, the campaign aims to make it simple to take the first step.
Louise Goodwin, Campaigns and Advocacy Manager at the Vegetarian Society, said:
“Join us this National Vegetarian Week to dive into the wonderful world of wholefoods! From versatile beans to vibrant pulses, we’re sharing delicious recipes and clever cooking tips to inspire everyone to try tasty meat-free dishes. Better for people, the planet, and animals.”
For recipes, tips and updates, sign up to National Vegetarian Week here.
