An exciting, wholesome and new vegan movement, among youth attracted to the hip hop movement, is spreading across the country.

This program, called “In Pursuit of a Green Planet,” has attracted a wide variety of inner-city youth, as it travels around the country hosting its Green Dinners. But Seattle has bragging rights, as this is where the program began, and Vegetarians of Washington was honored to team up with them for their very first Hip Hop Green Dinner. Since then they have attracted cutting-edge musicians, along with leading doctors and talented chefs, who are giving talks and cooking demonstrations along with the dinners.

We caught up with Keith Tucker, the leader of this great program, as he gets ready for the next Green Dinner right here in town.

Veg of WA: What are the Hip Hop Green Dinners?

Keith Tucker: Hip Hop Green Dinners are a National Health Initiative set in urban communities and designed to introduce new people, especially youth, to delicious, healthy vegan food. The Green Dinners are most attendees’ first introduction to a vegan meal and are a perfect combination of information and entertainment. It’s the first and only event in the world combining Hip Hop and serving full vegan meals to youth and families. Over the last seven years we have served over 4000 healthy plant-based meals to youth and families around the country.

Veg of WA: Why are the Hip Hop Green Dinners important?

Keith Tucker: Our events are so important because obesity is one of the most challenging health crises the America has ever faced. Two-thirds of adults, and nearly one-third of children and teens, are currently obese or overweight, putting them at increased risk for many diseases, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It’s not just our health that is suffering: obesity-related medical costs and a less productive workforce are hampering America’s ability to compete in the global economy, as well as the direct connection to deforestation and the overall environment.

Veg of WA: Thanks for explaining, and good luck with your next dinner.

To learn more about the Hip Hop Green Dinners, see this short video: https://youtu.be/ogi4c0gb7N4

If you’d like to support this campaign, and the Seattle Dinner in particular, become a sponsor.