Consuelo Bradley, president of Legacy Heritage in Alabama, received our Vegan Event Grant for their community garden grand opening. We spoke with Consuelo about the success of their event:
How did guests enjoy the plant-based menu at your event?
Guests were overwhelmingly positive about the plant-based menu. Many attendees expressed surprise at how flavorful, satisfying, and culturally relevant the dishes were. It sparked meaningful conversations about health, sustainability, and cultural heritage.
“Our donation amount increased compared to previous non-plant-based events.”
How did your donation amount change compared to previous non-plant-based events?
Our donation amount increased compared to previous non-plant-based events. Guests appreciated the intentionality behind the menu and were inspired to give more generously, recognizing the alignment between our food choices and our mission of environmental justice, cultural restoration, and community wellness.
What was your experience with finding plant-based catering for your event?
We made most of the food by hand. Our team collaborated with local cooks and volunteers to prepare dishes that were culturally resonant and budget-friendly. This approach built community, saved costs, and showcased the versatility of plant-based cooking.
“We found that plant-based catering was more affordable overall...”
Did you notice a difference in plant-based catering costs vs. non-plant-based catering?
We found that plant-based catering was more affordable overall, especially when we sourced ingredients locally and prepared food in-house. Meat and dairy alternatives can be pricey, but by focusing on whole, plant-based ingredients like legumes and vegetables, we reduced costs compared to traditional catering.
What was your event menu?
Cauliflower wings with vegan ranch, hearty lentil and vegetable soup. black bean and sweet potato burgers with carrot fries, fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette, and lemonade infused with mint and ginger.
Did you receive any specific feedback from event guests?
Guests shared feedback such as:
“I never knew plant-based food could be so filling and flavorful!”
“This is the first time I’ve seen our culture reflected in a vegan menu.”
“Thank you for making healthy food accessible and delicious for our community.”
“I’m inspired to try more plant-based meals at home.”
Hosting a plant-based event deepened our connection to the community and reinforced the power of food as a tool for education, healing, and environmental stewardship. It helped us demonstrate that plant-based eating is not just a trend but a lifestyle rooted in culture and care for the planet. We are excited to continue incorporating plant-based meals into future events and programming.
