Give to charities that promote meat-free diets

Around the holidays, many well-meaning people contribute to hunger-relief charities like Heifer International, which sends cows, goats and other farm animals to poor people in India and other developing nations. These programs often do more harm than good, and many people in India have even said that they don't want the animals who have been thrust upon them.

Animals are expensive; they require veterinary care, shelter, food and water. Cows, for example, cost between 120 and 150 rupees a day in feed - more than twice the minimum wage in India. It's more economical and efficient for people to directly eat the grains and drink the water that the animals consume.

Many people in predominately vegetarian countries like India prefer to get their nourishment from fruits, vegetables, grains, soy and other plant foods. If you want to help them, why not contribute to Food for Life Global, VegFam, or another charity that provides vegan food for the hungry?

Heather Moore

PETA Foundation

Norfolk, VA