Now that summer's unofficially here, Philly vegans are getting out of the house and trying out new vegan venues (more about that next week!) and also looking for excuses to hang out with other area vegans. Some fun opportunities for that happen this weekend, with the requisite yummy vegan food treats as the main excuse for getting together.

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Tomorrow, June 3rd at the Rotunda (4014 Walnut St; information@therotunda.org) you can get some free vegan ice cream at Animal Activists of Philly's 2017 Ice Cream Social, running from noon to 4 p.m. Organizer Marianne Bessey remarks that despite what you might have heard about June as National Dairy Month, in actuality "it's National Dairy-FREE month for animals, and Animal ACTivists of Philly will be giving away vegan ice cream in West Philly to show everyone how delicious animal-free can be!"

Remember, you don't have to be vegan to enjoy the free treats! You also don't have to NOT be vegan, of course - though in the spirit of the event, maybe bring someone with you who thinks vegan eating is all about raw carrots and righteousness and watch their eyes (and mouth) open!

Then on Sunday, June 4th from 1 to 4 p.m. at Tattooed Mom's (530 South St; 215-238-9880) - which is making its name as the go-to nonvegan venue for social vegans (and hungry vegans) - the infamous Philly Vegan Lady Gang will host a Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale. Yes, it's just happening at this one spot but is part of the Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale launched in 2009 that has helped raise more than $300,000 for a number of animal-related causes. In this case the proceeds will benefit Woodstock Farm Sanctuary.

Organizer LJ Steinig, whom V for Vegan readers may recall as the first winner (2016) of the Vegan MacDown, says "I've never been more stoked for a bake sale" and urges everyone to "stop by Tattooed Mom on the afternoon of Sunday, June 4th, get your arts & crafts on, eat a vegan sandwich & some tots, and then enjoy cupcakes and cookies and more!" The baked goodies will be supplied both by the "Philly Vegan Lady Gangsters" themselves and also by well-known vegan pros such as Soy Cafe, Crust Bakery and Miss Rachel's Pantry. Quite a lineup!

Also, since I noted last year that Lancaster, PA now has something of a vegan scene itself, I'll pass along that also tomorrow, from noon to 5 p.m. (enough time to get to both this and the ice cream social, if so inclined) Lancaster's first annual VegFest will be held at that city's Musser Park (more info: pavegfest@gmail.com or pavegfest.com). It's "a free public event whose mission is to provide information about the benefits of a plant-based diet for health and the benefit to animals" including "speakers, vendors, vegan foods, entertainment, raffle prizes, childrens activities, non-profit organizations, and much, much more!"

Wherever you are when you're out and about this weekend, stop at one or all of these and fill up on delicious vegan food and camaraderie. Raw carrots and righteousness can wait till Monday!

Published: June 2, 2017 3:38 PM EDT

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Weekend social events for Philly vegans? Sweet! - Philly.com (blog)

An Atlanta vegan is one of 10 women from across the country vying to be namedPETA'sSexiest Vegan Next Door.

Arnisha Keaton, 25,beat out hundreds of other entrants to become a finalist, according to a news release.

The winner will get a free vacation for two to Maui, Hawaii, fromHumane Travel. There is also a male category. Out of the 20 contestants, shes the only one from Georgia.

Keaton,a remote train conductor and Army Reserve chemist,went up her chain of command to get animal-free ready-to-eat meals served during pre-deployment training, PETA said.

PETA

Keaton stopped eating meat out of compassion for animals when she was in preschool, but went full-on vegan two years ago, according to the website.

PETA will select the winners based on several factors, includingvote count. Voting ends at noon on June 21, and winners will be notified and announced on June 28.

Read more:

Atlanta Army chemist is a finalist in PETA's 'Sexiest Vegan' contest - Atlanta Journal Constitution

Baker Bhava Carr's new cafe sells her signature vegan and gluten-free baked goods as well as vegetarian breakfast and lunch dishes. ABBEY GINGRAS/FREE PRESS

The outside of Sweet Alchemy has a front porch and a back patio area for extra seating on a pleasant day.(Photo: ABBEY GINGRAS/FREE PRESS)Buy Photo

ESSEX JUNCTION The smell of brown sugar and maplewafts out of Bhavatarini Carr's kitchen at Sweet Alchemy Bakery and Caf as she rushes around to preparefor Saturday's opening. Maple pecan coffee cakes are baking in the oven and molasses cookies are piled up in bags on the counter, bound for a nearby store.

Carr isn't new to the world of baked goods she's been satisfying many a sweet tooth in Vermont for years with Four SistersBakery, her wholesale home business that sells to stores and cafes in the area.But this new venture, complete with breakfast,lunch and her dream kitchen to run,is all her own.

"I'm excited to have a space for people to come and gather," Carr said."Working from home you never get to communicate with the people who are eating your food, and you can't close that circle. I'm excited to get to know my customers and the people of Essex."

The items on the menu are magic tricks unto themselves, with unexpected ingredients masquerading as their more traditional counterparts to make gluten-free and vegan treats. Gone are the flour and butter, replaced with components like pumpkin and chickpeas.

More: Pace gets ambitious at new Burlington restaurant The Great Northern

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Trying out new concoctions is one of Carr's favorite things to do.

"Sometimes I get it in one shot and sometimes it takes me a couple of years," she said. "You have to be willing to play around with it. It's half art and half science, but eventually it becomes something you feel. I think it's a really interesting medium to work in."

While all the baked goods will remain gluten-free and vegan, her breakfast and lunch options will be vegetarian and sometimes incorporate flour or butter.

Sweet Alchemy baked goods are also available at a variety of stores and cafes in the area, like City Market in Burlington.(Photo: ABBEY GINGRAS/FREE PRESS)

"I'm looking forward to offering a wider variety of things," she said. "One is a sesame ginger blueberry waffle. The sesame is something my mother did growing up and it adds this cool savory note that goes great with maple syrup, I don't know how people couldn't enjoy them."

Her products already fly off the shelves at places like City Market in Burlington. The cookie monster cupcakes and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies have amassed a loyal fan base at Pingala Cafin Burlington, according to Charles Dowling.

"Her stuff is fantastic," said Dowling, a friend of Carr's and front-of-house manager at Pingala.

A chocolate almond lavender cupcake from Sweet Alchemy, made without gluten, dairy or soy products.(Photo: ABBEY GINGRAS/FREE PRESS)

Her father especially loves herbutternut squash mac and cheese, which will be on the menu.

"It's so yummy. My father is a huge cheese fan and he can't believe there is not butter or cheese in it, but I can't give away my secrets."

Carr spent severalyears living in India, which helped shape her appreciation for food.

"The way I was raised was that you cook with a mood of reverencethat it's a privilege to be able to cook for people and be involved in that part of their day," Carr said."I try to think about that because I don't want to put a bad mood into what I'm cooking.I'm conscious as to what I'm putting out into the world."

The seating area inside Sweet Aclhemy is open and relaxed, with a perfect view of the dessert counter.(Photo: ABBEY GINGRAS/FREE PRESS)

Her life has been a blur these past few months as she moved to a new apartment and readied Sweet Alchemy before its official opening. The long hours and late nights are about to be put to the test when she opens her doors on Saturday.

"Vermont has always felt like home, and the overall foodculture is great," she said."I can create the kind of food I'm excited about and people are interested in it. People care about what they eat and where it comes from here, and I'm glad to be in a place like that."

Sweet Alchemy Bakery &Caf is located on the lower level of The Barns at Lang Farm off Vermont 15 in Essex Junction. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday (hours subject to change).

Sweet Alchemy Bakery &Caf

Address: 43 Upper Main St. Essex Junction

Website:https://www.facebook.com/sweetalchemyvermont/

Phone: 802-662-5905

Contact Abbey Gingras at agingras@freepressmedia.com or 802-660-1875. Follow her on Twitter@abbeygingras.

Read or Share this story: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/life/2017/06/02/sweet-alchemy-bakery-essex-junction/354235001/

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Vegan baker opens new cafe in Essex Junction - BurlingtonFreePress.com

In July 2016, The Washington Post published a story about an Italian couple who lost custody of their 14-month-old son.

The boy had been admitted to the hospital weighing about as much as an average 3-month-old baby.

He required emergency surgery for a congenital heart condition aggravated by low calcium levels.

The reason for the low calcium levels and general malnourishment?

His parents had been keeping their young son on a strict vegan diet since birth without providing any supplements to make up for the nutrients he was missing out on.

According to the Post, this case was not unique.

In fact, it was the third case of a child in Italy being hospitalized as a result of a vegan diet.

And there have been similar cases around the world dating back to 2004. In one case, a couple in the United States was sentenced to life in prison after their baby died as a result of malnourishment.

Read more: Best vegan blogs of 2017

At the 50th annual meeting of the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) earlier this month, experts decided to speak up about the dangers of a vegan diet for children without proper supplementation.

It is difficult to ensure a healthy and balanced vegan diet in young infants, and parents should understand the serious consequences of failing to follow advice regarding supplementation of the diet, Dr. Mary Fewtrell, chair of ESPGHANs nutrition committee, said in a press statement. The risks of getting it wrong can include irreversible cognitive damage and, in the extreme, death.

Dr. Myriam Van Winckel, a professor in the department of pediatrics and medical genetics at Ghent University in Belgium, had something similar to share.

The more restricted the diet of the child, the greater the risk of deficiency, and this is by far highest in vegan children, Van Winckel said in a press statement. But the risk does not stop there. Vegan mothers who breastfeed also need to be aware that their children can develop vitamin B-12 deficiency between 2 and 12 months because of the lack of reserves in their body at birth, even if the mother is not showing any signs of deficiency herself.

Officials at ESPGHAN are not the only ones to sound an alarm.

A 2010 article by the Canadian Paediatric Society showed data compiled from several studies of strict vegan preschoolers and school-age children.

Concerns were raised regarding protein, fiber, essential amino acids, iron, zinc, calcium, fat, fatty acids, vitamins B-12, D, A, and riboflavin.

The researchers added that energy levels may be impacted as well, requiring calorie dense foods to provide for adequate growth.

The article concluded that while a vegan diet can be safe for children, those children should be closely monitored for appropriate nutrition, growth, and energy levels.

Read more: 8 great sources of vegan protein

Members of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also expressed their concerns.

Childhood is a critical time for growth and brain development, Dr. Sheela Magge, an endocrinologist at Childrens National Health System, told Healthline. There are critical vitamins and minerals which can be deficient in a vegan diet, particularly vitamin B-12, vitamin D, iron, calcium, zinc, and riboflavin. Vegan diets can also increase the risk of vitamin A deficiency. B-12 comes from milk and eggs and is a specific concern for people on a vegan diet. A lack of sufficient vitamin B-12 can lead to neurological symptoms. Children on vegan diets may also have slightly higher protein requirements than non-vegan children.

She added that the first few months and years of life are particularly important.

Infancy is a special consideration, Magge said. The ideal first nutrition for babies is breast milk, but if a mother does not or cannot feed the baby breast milk, the only other option is a soy-based formula. Also, during infancy and weaning the amount of food needed to meet energy needs on a vegan diet may be increased and can exceed gastric capacity. Therefore, frequent feeds are recommended.

Read more: The 10 most vegetarian-friendly cities

So what are the options for parents who are committed to a vegan lifestyle?

According to Magge, it can be done but only with careful monitoring.

A child can be on a vegan diet safely, but it should be done in consultation with the childs pediatrician or primary caregiver, she said. A nutritionist may also be involved. Childhood is a critical time for growth and development, and it is very important that adequate amounts of critical vitamins and minerals are taken in the childs diet at specific times in development.

Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD, a licensed, registered dietitian, who is a wellness manager at the Cleveland Clinic, agreed, but she added parents need to carefully assess the willingness of the child to go along with such a strict dietary plan.

This plan will most likely not work in a very picky eater and could lead to nutrient deficiencies, she said.

When considering a vegan diet for a child, experts say consulting with a pediatrician is the best way to ensure proper nutrition.

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Is a Vegan Diet Safe for Children? - Healthline - Healthline

When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 3.

Where: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, 300 W. Lakeside Ave., Cleveland.

Tickets: Free ($5 donation suggested).

Info: clevelandvegansociety.org.

This just in: We live in a divisive society.

The combative dynamic includes politics, lifestyle and even food.

For proof of the latter, just mention veganism. Reactions can include an eye roll followed by a staunch defense of eating chicken or steak.

One local group looking to create awareness about the life choice is the Cleveland Vegan Society, which presents its fifth annual free Vegfest June 3 at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.

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We wanted to create an event that would introduce people in the Northeast Ohio area to veganism and its principles environmental sustainability, justice for animals, plant-based health, social justice, food justice, Cleveland Vegan Society President Amy Wagar Cinch said.

At our event, we do touch on how animal agriculture is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gases and how eating a plant-based diet is considered one of the healthiest ways to live. It can reduce chronic disease. We talk about how agricultural subsidies are influencing the way people eat, and how it disproportionately affects disenfranchised groups. Those are all important topics we address.

The all-day affair features nationally renowned speakers, cutting-edge nutrition advice, engaging food demonstrations, a food court, a cruelty-free marketplace, live music, yoga, a kids activity area and a screening room.

For the better part of the last decade, Cinch has lived a vegan lifestyle, which, she said, on a daily basis seems to be getting easier to do thanks to more restaurants listing a vegan option on menus. Also, grocery stores are stocking more items on their shelves.

Unquestionably, the lifestyle is gaining momentum and acceptance. Gone are the days where a stereotypical vegan wore a First Light T-shirt with Birkenstocks and smelled like patchouli.

Our circle is getting larger, and its really a function of how many vegan people a person knows, Cinch said. If they are new to the idea, it just seems alien to them, but I find that if people have several friends or acquaintances that are vegan, its not seen as such an extreme lifestyle anymore.

There are vegans of every walk of life, shape, size, socio-economic background. Veganism is spreading.

Thats due in part to the efforts of the Cleveland Vegas Society. The nonprofit acts as a liaison between the vegan community and restaurants and businesses. As far as VegFest is concerned, interest has grown. Just five years ago, 3,000 people showed up at Cleveland State University. This year, expectations have more than 7,000 attendees visiting the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.

Cinch said the reason behind that increase is simple.

Most people are eating vegan things even if theyre not vegan these days, Cinch said. Theres a meme going around where people are asked, Why are you vegan? The response is, Why are you not vegan?

From our perspective, there really isnt a good reason not to be vegan. From every perspective, it makes sense.

When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 3.

Where: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, 300 W. Lakeside Ave., Cleveland.

Tickets: Free ($5 donation suggested).

Info: clevelandvegansociety.org.

>> Where to pick strawberries in Northeast Ohio, 2017

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Cleveland Vegan Society hosting latest Vegfest at Huntington Convention Center - News-Herald.com

Alicia Silverstone has been an outspoken advocate for veganism for years, even writing a book in 2011 called The Kind Diet that explains why she chose a plant-based way of eating that doesnt include meat, fish, seafood, poultry, dairy, or eggs. Now, the Clueless actress is discussing her decision to feed her 6-year-old son, Bear Blu, a vegan diet, too.

Knowing the truth about where our food comes from is just so disturbing to me, she says in a video for the non-profit Farm Sanctuarys Compassionate Meals program, as she and Bear eat veggie burgers and kale salad. Once you see it, theres no way to go back from that for me. Bear is also asked what his favorite thing about being a vegan is. His response: That you dont have to eat yucky meat.

Silverstone says its easy for her to feed Bear vegan foods, and she regularly makes easy-to-assemble meals like tacos and stir-fries. I can make all those things based on whats in the fridge, she says. You always have a bean, you always have a whole grain. Silverstone says being vegan has turned me into a health nut because you feel so good, you feel so different, adding, being able to do something that is good for the Earth, good for the animals, and good for you all at the same time seems like such a no-brainer. Its like the biggest Duh!'

According to a 2016 Harris Interactive Poll commissioned by the Vegetarian Resource Group about 3.7 million American adults identify as vegan . But the decision to put children on a vegan diet frequently comes under fire.

A law proposed in Italy in 2016 would make it illegal for parents to put their children on a vegan diet, which lawmakers referred to as "a diet devoid of elements essential for healthy and balanced growth," per Reuters . The proposed law came after several high-profile cases in the country involving undernourished children on vegan diets. In one case, a 1-year-old on a vegan diet only weighed as much as a 3-month-old and, in another, a father alleged that his 12-year-old sons growth was stunted due to a vegan diet chosen by the boys mother.

Silverstone has faced criticism in the past for feeding Bear a vegan diet, and she told People in 2014 that her son loves the food I give him. Hes not being deprived of anything. For him, having amazing fruit is like candy.

Some people claim that children who are raised on a vegan diet wont get enough nutrients they need to grow into strong adults, while others say it simply encourages healthy eating in children.

So, is it a good idea to feed kids a vegan diet? Ashanti Woods, M.D., a pediatrician at Baltimores Mercy Medical Center, tells SELF that it depends. Children who consume a vegan diet are generally as healthy, if not more healthy, than children who have a normal diet, he says. Dr. Woods points out that there are various lay definitions of vegetarianism and veganism , but pediatricians pay special attention to true vegans, i.e., those who swear off all animal products. The more restrictions on a diet, the more pediatricians become concerned because these children are at risk for nutritional deficiencies, he says.

When done properly, vegan diets can be a step up from the standard American diet, Dana Simpler, M.D., a primary care practitioner at Baltimore's Mercy Medical Center, tells SELF. Dr. Simpler says that peopleand childrendont need animal protein in their diet provided that theyre getting all their important minerals and nutrients.

The key is having a diet that is well thought out, Lauren Fiechtner, M.D., M.P.H., Director of Nutrition at MassGeneral Hospital for Children in the Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, tells SELF. If the diet is well-planned and monitored by a registered dietitian, this can be safe for children, she says. Worth noting: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says that well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets are healthy for infants and toddlers.

In the long-term, vegetarian and vegan diets have been linked with lower cholesterol levels, a lower risk of heart disease , a lower risk of high blood pressure, and lower risk of type 2 diabetes, Dr. Fiechtner says. Theyre also a good way to promote eating enough fruits and vegetables. In the United States, most children do not meet their goal intake of five servings of fruits or vegetables per day, and so this could also be a benefit, she says.

There are also other potential benefits. Lauren Blake, an R.D. at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells SELF that vegetarian and vegan teens typically eat more fiber , iron, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C than their meat-eating counterparts. They also tend to eat fewer sweets, fast foods, and salty snacks.

This is why Dr. Woods urges parents of his patients who are on a vegan diet to be mindful that their children get enough of certain nutrients, including vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. Low levels of iron can lead to anemia , low calcium and vitamin D levels can cause poor bone health, and low levels of vitamin B12 can lead to neurologic complications in severe cases, Dr. Woods says. Dr. Fiechtner points out that vegan diets are low in omega-3 fatty acids , which are commonly found in fish or eggs. Failure to have enough of these fatty acids has been linked to poor cardiovascular health, as well as issues with eye and brain development. To meet the gaps in a vegan childs diet, Dr. Simpler recommends vitamin supplementation.

Children on a vegan diet are also at risk of not taking in enough daily calories, which is why Dr. Woods recommends that vegan children eat three snacks a day in addition to three meals a day.

Overall, experts say its fine to raise children on a vegan diet, provided youre mindful that theyre getting everything they need. It just takes an effort, Dr. Woods says. If you have questions about putting your child on a vegan diet, get in touch with their pediatrician or a registered dietitian who can help steer you in the right direction.

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Alicia Silverstone: Feeding My Son a Vegan Diet Is a 'No Brainer' - SELF

Lincoln Taproom will host an adults-only Vegan Prom Saturday. View Full Caption

Creative Commons/Flickr: dok1

LAKEVIEW Dust off those rhinestone-studded heels: It's prom time. Just make sure they're not made of leather.

While high schoolers might be winding down their sanctioned springtime ritual, the grown-ups are just getting started with an adults-only Vegan Prom in Lakeview Saturday.

Lincoln Taproom, 3010 N. Lincoln Ave., will host night of dancing, drinking and an "I Love U '80s" theme that is a perfect excuse to give your puffed satin sleeves one last night of glory.

Dressing up isn't required, and neither is being a vegan or having a date. Proceeds from the third annual Vegan Prom benefit Chicago VeganMania, a free all-vegan food festival in Edgewater.

Want to dress up but have nothing to wear? Try thrift shops for a last-minute gem organizers are encouraging guests to get festive in '80s wear, prom attire or "whatever makes you feel rad."

While a DJ jams to '80s music, prom-goers can enjoy finger foods, desserts, a photo booth, a raffle and a cash bar. Sponsors for the event include Pie, Pie My Darling, Alice & Friends' Vegan Kitchen and Follow Your Heart, so the night is sure to include some tasty treats.

Tickets are $20 at the door, and guests must be 21 years or older.

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Relive Your Prom Glory Days (But With Booze And Vegan Food) At Adult Prom - DNAinfo

Baseball is one of Americas most significant pastimes. Even if you arent a fan of baseball, its very likely that youve experienced moments in your childhood where the family gathered around the television to watch the local team play. You probably also have at least one relative whos a staunch baseball devotee or maybe youre that devoted fan.

Considering baseballs importance in American culture, one would never expect to find a veggie burger at a baseball stadium. After all, the Standard American Diet is notorious for being high in both meat and dairy and how much more American can you get that sitting in a baseball stadium with a big ol carton of chili cheese fries and a corn dog? But in recent years, baseball stadiums have stepped up their games in terms of offering vegan food options. PETA recently released a list of the top 10 vegan-friendly ballparks in the United States and surprisingly, Global Life Park in Arlington, Texas, is at the top of the list.

And now, atPNC Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA the home of the Pirates guests will be able to attend the stadiums first vegan event, Veggin Out at the Park!The evening is hosted in collaboration with Meatless Monday Pittsburgh, where for $45, the park will serve a full vegan menu, followed by a Pirates vs. Orioles game.

Items on the menu include veggie burgers, Buffalo cauliflower, sweet potato tacos, and more. Plus, anyone who buys tickets will also get corner box seats for the big game! Were happy to see PNC Stadium taking this step in showing Pirates fans that plant-based food is more than just salad its fun, innovative, and most importantly, delicious! Veggin Out at the Park will take place on Tuesday, September 26th. For more information, visit their official website.

Curious to see whats vegan at your local stadium? Then, check out Veggie Happys guide to vegan and vegetarian options at MLB baseball parks.

Cant make it to the event? You can still make classic ballpark food! We highly recommend checking out the Food Monster App, which is available for bothAndroid and iPhone. With over 8,000 vegan recipes (and over 10 new recipes added daily), youre going to find something you love!

Lead image source: Wikimedia Commons

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This MLB Team is Hosting a Vegan Food Night and We Just ... - One Green Planet

The words Vegan Batman Light may sound like something out of sci fi, butits 100 percent real and 100 percent radical.

Basically, the lightisa giant projector that displays powerful vegan messageson building surfaces (a la the bat signal). The idea was dreamed up by activist Connie Spence last year, and shes been shining the light of truth in cities across the country ever since.

Spence came up with the concept after the election when an artist shone an anti-Trump message on a hotel in Atlanta. Because it was only light, itwasnt considered vandalism, and therefore wasntillegal. In that moment I knew I had to figure out what this equipment was and how to do the same all over walls in Los Angeles [where she lived at the time].

After a lot of technical trial and error, she got the equipment together and did her first light in mid-December of 2016.

The first time it was done on the pig slaughterhouse in L.A. and boy was that moment eventful, says Spence. The light could be seen over their courtyard fence inside the slaughterhouse. The police that come each night walked up and said WOW, that is a game changer and lets everyone know how serious you guys are. I have now been doing the light three to five timesa week since.

In Los Angeles, shesshone the lighton the Staples Center, over freeways, on slaughterhouses, in Hollywood, and on the 3rd Street Promenade; shes brought it tothe Vegas Strip and Downtown Vegas (over the famous Heart Attack Grill); and shes displayed messaging on the Diamondbacks stadium in Phoenix. She continues to travel and bring the light to new locations. Shes had countless interactions with curiouspeople, many of which have been caught on video and are posted to Facebook.

Currently, Spence is raising funds via Go Fund Me to start new chapters of the Vegan Batman Light. She wants as many people as possible to get involved in bringing the concept to cities across the globe. This recipe of activism works, she says, in part because she talks TO people not AT them.I learn their name, shake their hand, ask them how they feel, ask them if theyve been to a slaughterhouse, ask them why they havent contemplated animals being abused before this moment. I learn about them and their defenses and I pivot to any excuse or justification they have. I spend a lot of time remembering stats and practice rebuttals to make sure that I know how to handle every objection. And on top of it all, I try to stay calm, but direct and always try to maintain peace.

Shes done it over 50 times and dealt with more than 30 police interactions, yet shes only been shut down once.

So what does she recommend as far as effective activism? Talk to every person and imagine they are your child. You really have to talk to people and unwire them and to do this, be as patient with their knee-jerk defense mechanisms as you would be to an 11-year-old child. This is how I prevent myself from surrendering to arguments and you will find even with the worst initial reactions, I almost always get people to come full circle and understand veganism.

Also, she says, use simple language. Your audience is always speciesist and you will rarely win someone over when you use language like rape, holocaust, slaveryor enslavement.I do not need to have my audience turn away from my message because they think Im downgrading an experience they went through or feel strongly about. This isnt an ego war on words and so you will NEVER catch me using that language, ever. Also, I never push pamphlets at anyone. Ive never seen my collateral on the ground. I only give out my cheat sheets and Go Vegan Pamphlets when the person is sold on the philosophy and motivated to go on a Vegan Journey. I have never seen any of my cheat sheets on the ground or trash.

For more info on the Vegan Batman Light, check out Go Fund Me, Facebook, and Instagram.

Follow Latest Vegan News onFacebook, on Instagram and Twitter(@LatestVeganNews), and sign up to receive ourdaily headlines in your inbox here.

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Vegan Batman Light Changing Hearts and Minds Across the US - Latest Vegan News

Brunch is a meal that everyone should be able to enjoy, so weve got plenty of vegan brunch recipes to get the whole group to the table on time.

Vegan brunch recipes arent just stand-ins for carnivores, theyre recipes that can hold their own in any mixed-diet crowd. From decadent French toast to beautiful vegetable presentations, vegan brunch recipes dont need to be relegated to the side of the table.

To keep your brunch table balanced, choose a variety of recipes. There are options for those who like something sweet in the morning as well as those who prefer savory. Pancakes always make for an easy vegan brunch option, and tofu is an excellent swap for breakfast eggs.

Mushrooms are another excellent swap for meat. They are great in any scramble or hash, and hold their own in bread puddings. Or, you can try using eggplant, a vegan favorite.

There are even more vegan brunch options in our healthy breakfast collection, or start out brunch with a round of smoothies.

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Vegan Brunch Recipes | Whole Foods Market