To help launch a health-first campaign with Humane World for Animals, Hollywood actor Kevin Bacon is changing his surname.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The Footlose star is temporarily becoming Kevin "Bean" in an initiative to encourage people to swap meat for beans at least once per week.
"You know me as Kevin Bacon, but on Wednesdays I'm Kevin Bean, because Wednesday is Beans Day, the day we swap meat for beans," Bacon said in a promotional video.
"They're packed with protein and fiber. They keep you full longer. You save money and animals. They're just beans till you realize how many animals they spare. Observing Beans Day is a small step and makes a big difference. Take it from me, Kevin Bean."
Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals, believes that celebrity campaigns like these, even in humor, bring additional awareness to animal protection advocacy.
"Simple actions—like what we put on our plate—go a long way in helping animals," Block said in a statement.
"Beansday reflects our mission to tackle the root causes of animal suffering. By making it easy for anyone to take a meaningful step for animals each week," she continued. "By supporting people who choose to embrace more healthy, tasty, plant-based foods. We can also help build a better world for animals and our environment."
Humane World for Animals notes that adding beans to one's diet weekly would reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also helping fuel a healthy body.
Beans lower cholesterol and blood sugar, and are a good source of protein. Their effect on the digestive system may also be protective against colon cancer.
Beans also help prevent constipation, a lesson late-night drive-thru consumers know all too well.
For those reasons, the Humane World for Animals wants people to include a serving of beans every week.
"Spill the beans: Tell your family and friends that every Wednesday is Beansday," the organization wrote.
