REPORT: brief report on the very successful eventVeganism has come a long way in the past few years. Not so long ago the public perception of a vegan was of an anaemic sandal-wearing person spending most of their lives boiling all their own beans. Vegan shoes were few and far between, places serving vegan food were rare, and a lot of vegans would just describe themselves as "vegetarian" to avoid the endless mirth of their peers.
Nowadays things are completely different. Veganism has come out of the shadows, and is the fastest growing diet in the western world today. Medical science acknowledges that a balanced vegan diet is the optimum way for people to eat. Animal protection has become an important feature in many people's lives, with revelations about modern farming methods persuading many people to turn their backs on meat. A vegan is now no longer a slightly odd figure on the margins of society, but someone who is seen to stand for principles that we all hold dear.
Along with these changes there has been an explosion of vegan products and services in the last five years. Now a vegan is spoiled for choice when it comes to products like ice-cream, meat substitutes and shoes. There is an absolute plethora of "leather" jackets, chocolate and "cheeses."
Over the last year, Realfood has been involved in 8 free vegan food fairs in towns across the country. Members of the public were invited to take a break from shopping and sample delicious vegan foods. Far from being scared off by the word "vegan" these fairs were packed to capacity: numbers ranging from 300 to well over 500.
Now it is time to bring veganism still further forward with a regional event. As you may imagine, this will involve lots of work so Realfood are looking for volunteers to help both inside the festival and outside, distributing leaflets and walking around in costumes. They are also looking for people who are willing to put on some kind of entertainment along Market Street to show that the festival is on. If you can help, contact Realfood as below.
Virtually Real Food - greens launch web site about organic veg
Fair Trade for Schools - Key Stage packs from Global Express
Sustainable Development - round up of green events in Manchester
Realfood (0845 458 0146, nwvf@realfood.org.uk)
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