Plant-based dietary options are becoming more common and accepted, the organizer of a vegan and vegetarian showcase in Nanaimo says.
VegFest Nanaimo took place Saturday, July 5, at Maffeo Sutton Park.
Teesha Middleton, organizer and Positively Vegan vice-president, says attitudes toward non-meat diets have evolved in the 12 years she has been vegan – excluding all animal products from her diet.
"I've seen a big shift in people's perception of veganism. A lot of people are changing now because of their health and diet, or … because of the environment, and they see the impacts on the environment and want to make a change, and the easiest way to make a change for them is by their food choices," she said.
Middleton previously told the News Bulletin there are plenty of options and said she has even adjusted some of her favourite recipes.
"I think when I first switched over, I really had a kinship with mac-and-cheese – who doesn't, being Canadian, right?" asked Middleton "So I have a cashew base-style cheese and use it with nutritional yeast, which is a good substitute for a cheese type of flavour. Now, you're not going to get the exact same thing as cheese … It's each to their own, and what you choose."
More than 50 vendors were on site at the park and thousands of visitors were expected to attend.
There will be similar events across B.C. in the coming months, with VegFest Victoria on Aug. 16 and then VegFest Kelowna on Sept. 21.
