What if choosing lunch could help spare animals from suffering? On March 4, that hopeful vision came to life at the very first UBC VegFest!
The VHS’s PlantUniversity program partnered with the student club Vegans of UBC to showcase more than 25 local plant-based businesses and organizations right on campus. The event was hosted in collaboration with UBC’s student union, AMS, and supported by TMRW Foods, Vegan Supply, and SEEDS Sustainability Program.
Thousands of students and members of the surrounding community sampled delicious foods, met passionate vendors, and learned how plant-based choices can support their health, protect the environment, and reduce animal suffering in factory farms.
Events like UBC VegFest are a powerful step toward a kinder food system. Outreach and education like this help to shape the values of future leaders and make compassionate choices more visible and accessible.
“Thank you so much for emphasizing education during the event just as much as yummy foods! I really appreciate this event. It is my favourite I’ve ever attended at UBC and I hope it becomes annual.” -Attendee of UBC VegFest
For young people making independent food choices for the first time, an open and welcoming community that shares the benefits of plant-based eating can help influence habits that last a lifetime.
One attendee called the experience “eye-opening to the options available to support a plant-based diet”.
Thank you to everyone who was involved in this event. Your advocacy helps to plant seeds of change that will grow for years to come.
For a list of organizers and vendors, visit the event page at PlantUniversity.ca.