The Veganuary Workplace Challenge has seen growing participation in 2025, with a diverse array of employers across industries encouraging their employees to adopt plant-based diets for the month of January. This year, organizations from sectors including media, manufacturing, education, solar energy, and local government have joined the initiative, which the non-profit Veganuary promotes to explore the environmental, health, and ethical benefits of plant-based eating.
“Veganuary gives people the power to make the world a little kinder, greener, and healthier”
The initiative aligns with many companies’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies by providing a structured, accessible way to encourage sustainable habits among employees. Notable participants in 2025 include Ernst & Young (EY), the City of San Antonio, LUSH, KSPS PBS, and Miyoko’s Creamery. Globally, hundreds of employers are taking part in the program.
“We’re on a mission to make the world lusher than we found it, and helping people to go vegan can make a big contribution to that. We know that for animals, people, and the planet, plant-based food is better on every measurable metric, which is why we take part in Veganuary’s workplace challenge,” states Andrew Butler, the campaigns manager at LUSH.
Diverse employers take on the challenge
Organizations are leveraging the Veganuary challenge not only as a sustainability initiative but also as an opportunity to boost employee morale and promote health. EY, one of the participating companies, sees the challenge as a small but meaningful step toward achieving broader sustainability objectives. “What a fantastic way to empower EY people to consider a plant-based diet and help in building a better, and more sustainable, working world,” said Amy Brachio, EY’s global vice chair of sustainability.
The City of San Antonio has embraced the challenge as part of its Office of Sustainability’s efforts to reduce emissions and promote wellness among its 13,000 employees. “We anticipate exceeding our 2024 Workplace Challenge participation,” commented Tamarra Callahan, management analyst at the City of San Antonio. The city has incorporated events such as potlucks and a produce market box program to make participation more engaging.
Smaller organizations have also joined the challenge, often tying it to their core values. Linkgraph’s director of agency success, Sophia Deluz, explained how the initiative reflects its focus on kindness: “Kindness to animals, the environment, and laborers are just a few of the benefits of eating plant-based.”
Public institutions have also adopted the Veganuary Workplace Challenge to align with their missions. For example, KSPS PBS, a public television station, is promoting plant-based eating as part of its commitment to civic health and sustainability. “By embracing plant-based eating, we are living our mission to enrich lives and build stronger communities—one meal and one informed decision at a time,” said Skyler J. Reep, the station’s director of development.
Support for employers
To facilitate participation, Veganuary provides employers with resources such as templates, activities, and digital prompts for platforms like Slack and Teams. Additionally, companies can track engagement using participation links provided by the organization.
Sandra Hungate, Veganuary’s US director, stated, “Veganuary gives people the power to make the world a little kinder, greener, and healthier. It’s great to see so many employers encouraging and supporting their employees in eating more plant-based this January.”
