Veg Fest 2011-- Delicious and Inspiring

On May 1, 2011, the National Capital Vegetarian Association hosted the third annual Veg Fest at Ottawa's Glebe Community Centre. This year, close to 3000 attendees gathered for vegetarian cuisine, exhibiting vendors, guest speakers, a silent auction, food demonstrations, and even a cup cake challenge, in which vegan bakers across the city faced off against one another to be crowned best amateur cupcake baker. 

It was my first year in attendance, and it was much more than I expected. I was delighted to find a community willing to share knowledge and some of the most delicious food I have ever had. NCVA board members Pamela Eadie and Corrie Rabbe originally conceived of an event that could appeal to a more mainstream, veg curious audience. The diversity of exhibitors was enough to create a complete vegetarian experience. The question I had coming to this event was whether or not Ottawa is ready to embrace this lifestyle change. The lines are still filling at McDonald's and KFC, while ribs and steaks are being bought by the boatload at major grocers. Are there enough people ready and willing to shift consumer demand?

The United Nations is urging a global shift toward a meat and dairy-free diet. "Lesser consumption of animal products is necessary to save the world from the worst impacts of climate change," a UN report says. "A global shift towards a vegan diet is vital to save the world from hunger, fuel poverty and the worst impacts of climate change."

Knowing the impact that our meat consumption is having on the environment and the enormous amount of cruelty being done to animals, people still continue to eat meat in the western world. Has the veil been pulled back far enough to help the average consumer make conscientious decisions?

Josh Flower, NCVA President, believes the vegetarian movement is on the fringe of becoming mainstream. "It is important to keep taking baby steps and we need to be encouraging. Even simply thinking about becoming vegetarian is a good thing," Josh says.

Those unfamiliar with vegetarianism may be unwilling to try the lifestyle change out of fear of not having a well-balanced diet. In reality most vegetarians have an extremely balanced and healthy diet. Meat is not the only way to receive protein. Lentils, soybeans, peanuts and meat replacements such as Yves Veggie Cuisine make it easier than ever to become vegetarian.

Josh Flower asks an important question: How do we get people to expose themselves to the information that would influence lifestyle change? He compares it to a domino effect--even one person turning vegetarian is enough to be a catalyst for one or two more people to become vegetarian. He also predicts a mainstream shift toward vegetarianism and veganism in the western world within the next 50 years.

Many culinary graduates have very little vegan-cooking experience (no eggs, cream or butter). Yet, as I passed from one sample to the next, I could not even tell that the food was prepared without them. In fact, they tasted much better and flavour and texture had not been compromised. Here I could see meals being prepared with a sophistication that makes traditional cooking look boring.

People wanting to become vegetarians can experience different problems depending on their specific circumstances. Up until 2010 I had still been eating chicken and fish as a source of protein. Due to the overwhelming evidence of animal cruelty, environmental degradation and poverty that results from our meat consumption, I felt forced to quit. As a student, I have found it difficult to find vegan alternatives when eating out. I do not always have the time to prepare my meals in advance and the vast array of fast food chains can seem quite daunting. Although menus usually offer vegetarian options, some foods may not be prepared in a vegetarian way, for example, if animal oils are used. Veg Fest was a blessing in disguise. I have never seen so many opportunities for lifestyle change. The diversity of the exhibitors was enough to keep me circling the building until guest speakers arrived, and I did not have to go anywhere for food.

Josh Flower says that it is important for consumers to support vegan products they like and also to write companies, requesting more vegan products. He notices that years ago the word "vegan" would be a product killer, but it is now appealing to a growing audience. He points out an interesting contradiction--although we do not condone cruelty to animals as a society, our consumer behavior proves otherwise. In between the excellent food and the exhibitors was the Animal Defense League, helping people understand the injustices happening to animals as a result of our meat and clothing consumption. Many people in society are unaware of what is really going on. At the very heart of vegetarian and veganism are serious issues of human rights,animal rights and environmental degradation.

Next year we may see Veg Fest in a bigger venue or possibly expanded to the school next to the Glebe Community Centre. "We are planning to expand the vegetarian and vegan lifestyle through support, encouragement and non-judgmental communication," Josh says.

The NCVA holds monthly potlucks. They are hosting a barbecue this August, and a Thanksgiving dinner in October. Remembering the turnout at Veg Fest 2011, I can see that there is a growing movement in Ottawa. If you are veg curious or are interested in volunteering, please go to www.ncva.ca. 

Photos: Pam Eadie, NCVA.  

This article is also featured in Peace and Environment News.