Interesting point….  Although I am not a vegetarian, I would have to agree with you that I cannot think of a single case where meat is necessary, or even better than a properly balanced vegetarian or vegan diet.  \n\nHowever, the key to that is it being a PROPERLY BALANCED diet.  Much of our society (and the world for that matter) has gotten accustomed to getting certain portions of their nutritional needs from meats – essential amino acids, vitamins, etc.  Someone who is familiar with vegetarian or vegan diets can easily replace these needs with an arguably healthier, meatless menu.  \n\nThe problem comes when someone who has unique or specific nutritional needs looses access to part of their diet that they do not know how to replace completely.  For instance if someone who regularly eats meat to meet a significant part of their nutritional needs simply cuts that meat out for lent and does not know that they need to replace it with other foods, they could encounter malnutrition issues.\n\nPerhaps an alternative would be to educate people on what foods should be used to substitute for various meats to maintain a healthy diet.\n\nGreat question!  Thanks!