This Month in PETA History: Joan Jett Handed Out PETA’s Vegan Starter Kit, and It Rocked
In May 2010, rock legend and longtime animal ally Joan Jett handed out something truly game-changing: our free veg starter kit.
Fresh off the release of The Runaways—the buzz-worthy biopic about Jett’s pioneering all-female rock band—the “Bad Reputation” singer brought her rebellious spirit to New York’s Union Square. She showed up in the bustling city streets to personally hand out copies of PETA’s vegan starter kit, packed with delicious recipes, practical tips, animal rights literature, and more. With her signature no-nonsense attitude, Jett proved that speaking up for animals is as punk rock as it gets.
“When I learned how animals on factory farms are treated, I gave beef the boot and stopped eating pigs, chickens, and fish too,” she said.
With Jett’s backing, the starter kit exploded: We received 400,000 requests to stock it that year alone.
“If there’s anything I love more than rock and roll, it’s animals.”—Joan Jett.
Since then, Jett has remained loud and proud for animals. In 2024, she narrated PETA’s powerful video, “Sisters Under the Skin,” in which she advocates for all female animals—including hens and cows, who are exploited and abused in the meat, egg, and dairy industries.
Want to Be a Rockstar For Animals, Too?
Jett’s kind example reminds us that our fellow animals are sensitive, feeling individuals who do not want to suffer. Every animal is someone, from mother cows who form lifelong friendships to hens who teach calls to their chicks before they even hatch.
Every human who goes vegan spares nearly 200 animals every year and significantly lowers their environmental footprint. And with help from PETA’s free vegan starter kit, making the compassionate switch is simple. YOU can join Jett and other animal allies by ordering one today:
