As the founder of It’s Nola, I am encouraged to see the US military taking meaningful steps toward offering healthier, plant-based food options for service members. Food is nourishment, but it’s also dignity and care. When people are asked to give their strength, discipline, and sacrifice to serve this country, they deserve meal choices that support their health, values, and well-being.
The move to introduce vegan MREs (Meals-Ready-to-Eat) by 2027 is a positive and long overdue shift. For years, service members have been asking for more inclusive and more nutritious options. Mercy For Animals’ research shows that the military community is ready since 81 percent supported more plant-based foods, and a strong majority expressed interest in fully vegan meals. That says a lot about where our culture is moving and how deeply people understand the link between food, performance, and long-term wellness.
Vegan MREs do more than add variety. They acknowledge the growing number of people who care about sustainability, animal welfare, and whole-food ingredients. They also support soldiers who have dietary restrictions, allergies, or personal beliefs that make existing options inaccessible. For military personnel operating in high-stress, high-demand environments, having food that aligns with their needs is not a luxury; it’s essential.
At It’s Nola, we have always believed in the power of plant-based nourishment to strengthen communities. Seeing our own military embrace more thoughtful, humane, and health-forward meals reinforces the values we champion: compassion, accessibility, and the ability to make food choices that honor both body and planet.
I hope this shift opens doors to even more innovation in military nutrition. Our service members deserve meals that fuel them with real, wholesome ingredients, and expanding plant-based options is an important step in that direction. I applaud everyone who advocated for this change and the military leaders who listened.
May this be the beginning of a broader commitment to nourishment that truly supports the people who serve.
Dr. Margaret Barrow
Founder & CEO, It’s Nola
