Vegan Event Grant Recipient: Fearless Kitty Rescue

We're pleased to announce yet another vegan grant recipient, Fearless Kitty Rescue! This no-kill cat rescue in Arizona used our grant to serve vegan food for one of their largest fundraisers of the year, Wet Your Whiskers.

The fundraiser proved to be a huge success! At the event, attendees bid on a silent auction while enjoying wine and vegan appetizers. The food was provided by a favorite local plant-based restaurant, Green New American Vegetarian. Some of their appetizers included vegan BBQ 'chicken' skewers, peanut tofu skewers, artichoke burritos, samosas, and 'turkey' club wraps. A majority of the attendees had never tried vegan food before and were extremely impressed with their first experience.  

Since the organization aligns with the idea that serving animals to save animals is wrong, Fearless Kitty Rescue has chosen to be meat-free for all their future events! Thank you for extending your compassion to farmed animals and congratulations on adopting a formal vegetarian menu policy! 

Vegan Event Grant Recipient: Student Sustainability Coalition

Photo by Tacos Sín Karma.

Photo by Tacos Sín Karma.

Featuring event grant recipient: Student Sustainability Coalition, CSULB. This student-run nonprofit used event grant funds to provide vegan food for their 2nd annual State of the Environment Conference. This year’s conference had good attendance, with local activists, plant-based food champions, urban gardeners, economists, and educators sharing their experience and expertise on the state of the environment with an engaged audience.

The conference provided vegan tacos by Tacos Sín Karma that were a big hit, with attendees saying they would be open to eating more plant-based meals if they knew vegan food could taste so good!  Chips were also included, along with plenty of fresh fruit.

Thank you, Student Sustainability Coalition, for providing a fun and approachable plant-based menu at your conference and introducing students and community members to new ways of thinking about how what’s on their plate affects animals, people, and the environment.

We love the wide variety of vegan foods on the menus that grantees are providing for their events! If you would like to apply for our grant to help with your first vegan event, please see our grant criteria and applications here.

Vegan Event Grant Recipient: Greater Farallones Association

We’re happy to announce another successful event made possible by our Vegan Event Grant!The Greater Farallones Association provided all plant-based foods for their Fifth Ocean Climate Summit. The Summit is held every three years and previously featured a few veg options, but not a fully vegan menu. This time around there was a record turn-out and attendees were able to munch on yummy earth-friendly foods while listening to presentations that identified climate action priorities for the North-central California coast and ocean region. And though the Summit is not meant to be a fundraiser, this year’s event was profitable for the first time and will serve as seed money for the next Ocean Climate Summit in 2022!
 
Attendees commented favorably on the food choices, saying they were impressed that Greater Farallones Association took a big step and made an impactful statement by making the event vegan. In turn, the Summit organizers were pleased, mentioning that the organization has “Evolved our understanding of the impact our collective food choices make on the environment and want to promote this to our attendees who all work in the environmental conservation sector.”
 
On the menu:
 
Breakfast

• Bagels with hummus, assorted jelly jams, “Smart Balance” vegan spread, sliced tomato, cucumber, and capers.

• Fresh fruit platter

• Coffee and tea service with soy and almond milk

 Hors d' Oeuvres

• Fresh spring rolls with cucumber, mango, mint, and cilantro, served with spicy peanut sauce

• Grilled vegetable platter with seasonal vegetables and homemade hummus

• Tomato bruschetta with diced tomatoes and basil and balsamic vinaigrette, served on a garlic crustade

 Luncheon

• Roasted portabella mushroom with pesto, balsamic and pickled red onions, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens served on focaccia

• Homemade farro salad with kale, pomegranate, and maple vinaigrette

• Greek salad with Kalamata olives, tomatoes, cucumber, and vinaigrette

• Assorted grain breads and rolls

• Fresh Fruit Platter

• Vegan Cookies

Please join us in thanking Greater Farallones Association for taking a leap and producing a fabulously sustainable climate-friendly event.

Policy Grant Recipient: Centre For A Responsible Future

We’re pleased to announce a new policy grantee: Centre for a Responsible Future (CRF), based in Singapore. CRF engages people and organizations in Singapore to adopt more responsible practices for a better future and they do so through a variety of programs and events like EarthFest, Animal Allies, Vegetarian Society Singapore, and Alliance for a Responsible Future (ARF).

​ARF is CRF’s corporate engagement program that works to create connections between plant-based and related businesses and the sustainability community. One innovative way ARF does this is through their Disruption in Food & Sustainability Summit, which focuses on raising awareness and fostering the growth of sustainable plant-based, alternative protein, and "clean meat" products. Conference organizers were sure to feature only vegan foods during the recent summit, even working directly with chefs at the Grand Hyatt to create a unique and regionally-focused plant-based menu.
 
In March of this year, CRF adopted a new vegan menu policy, which applies to all its programs. (At Food for Thought, we find a written policy to be ideal because it ensures that the intentions of the organizers and founders will be upheld over the years.) Congratulations, Centre for a Responsible Future for the leadership you’ve shown in featuring plant-based foods at your Summit and for formalizing your vegan menu policy!

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Thanks to generous support from the Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund, we're able to reach out to environmental and wildlife groups with guidance and resources to help their events go veg!

Vegan Event Grant Recipient: Wildlife Rescue League

We’re pleased to highlight recent event grant recipient, Wildlife Rescue League (WRL), based in Falls Church, Virginia. WRL provides care for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife with the intent of releasing them back into their native habitat; and they run a wildlife assistance helpline too!

WRL’s Groundhog Day Vegan Luncheon was well attended and a fun and educational way to introduce delicious plant-based foods to the public and WRL’s members and volunteers. During the lunch, a WRL board member spoke compellingly and comprehensively about the case to be vegan for wildlife, and quoted our Why Vegan for Wildlife? resource. Food for Thought donor and volunteer, Alysoun Mahoney was also given the opportunity to talk generally about the FFT program and resources available.

On the tasty all-vegan and organic menu, prepared by GreenFare Organic Cafe: Local greens with orange walnut salad dressing, veggie chili over brown rice, sweet potato lasagna, and apple crispy for dessert.

WRL has now adopted a plant-based menu policy, “in recognition of the destruction of wildlife habitat that is caused by animal agriculture and the killing of wildlife that is done to protect livestock. The organization hopes that the new policy will bring attention to the ways our everyday meal choices may impact wildlife.”

Congratulations, Wildlife Rescue League, on your successful vegan luncheon and on your menu policy leadership which serves as an example to other wildlife organizations!

For more on the event, WRL put together these video highlights.

Vegan Event Grant Recipient: San Diego 350

UPDATE: 

After the event, the SanDiego350 board passed a formal veg menu policy, as follows. A big thank you to SanDiego350 for walking their talk as an environmental organization!

”All SanDiego350 events will feature all-vegetarian food items, with a concerted effort made to serve all-vegan food items. This policy will be in effect for all SanDiego350-hosted events, including but not limited to: fundraisers, potlucks, meetings, trainings, and parties. SanDiego350 funds will only be used to purchase all-vegan items. While not all plant-based foods have a lower greenhouse gas impact than all animal-based products, the science in this area shows that favoring plant-based foods will, on average, substantially reduce a person's contribution to climate change. SanDiego350 seeks to share information and encourage individuals to come to their own conclusions about what choices are best for them, but as an organization we want our purchasing power to support solutions to climate change wherever possible.”

​Our latest event grant recipient is SanDiego350, an inclusive volunteer organization working to prevent the worst impacts of climate change and climate injustice. Their Party for the Planetvolunteer appreciation event was a great success! Attendees loved the wide variety of delicious foods served and many expressed pleasant surprise that everything was vegan. “I thought we had plenty: abundance is key at parties like these,” said Steering Committee member Kim Kishon. “I was happy to see how far the money went! It seemed like people enjoyed the Chipotle burritos, chick'n wings, and quartered veggie burgers...”

On the vegan menu: Entrées-- Pizza from a nearby pizzeria, Chipotle burritos, and a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and appetizers like “chicken wings” from Native Foods. Sides and hors-d’oeuvres-- Macaroni salad and fresh fruit; nuts, chips, and pretzels; salsa, hummus, and guacamole. The celebration was complete with vegan cake and cookies from Whole Foods, pinwheels from a local natural foods store, plus a selection of plant-based creamers for hot beverages.

What a beautiful spread and an excellent example of how to source enticing vegan food from both local joints and larger chains. Congratulations, SanDiego350, on creating a truly sustainable event that's kinder to the earth and its inhabitants!

Vegan Event Grant Recipient: Animal Aid

Portland, Oregon based Animal Aid recently hosted their annual Whiskers, Wine & Whisky gala, and this year thanks to a Food for Thought event grant, it was an all-vegan affair! Animal Aid is a nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue and welfare organization that helps companion animals in need; actively promotes spay and neuter programs to reduce overpopulation; and educates the public by promoting respect for all animals, the ethic of compassion, and the need to be kind and responsible stewards.

On the savory vegan menu: Entrées—Eggplant osso buco and za’tar spiced kebabs. Sides and hors-d'oeuvres—Root vegetable salad, house-made salad rolls with sweet chili dipping sauce, and vegetable crudité. The meal was topped off with a delicious cranberry pear crisp for dessert.

According to Director of Operations, Paige España, the event was a resounding success, doubling its fundraising goal from the prior year, and eliciting lots of positive feedback. “We're… learning how to pick vegan dishes that have a wide appeal so that those people on the fence can have a good (perhaps surprisingly good) experience and hopefully be more open to incorporating more vegan foods in their diet and more willing to consider a vegan lifestyle overall,” said España when reflecting on the event. She also mentioned that for their next event, they would look for a heartier second entrée option (in addition to the eggplant dish). This is a great tip for event planners working with caterers, as guests expect plant-based entrées to be just as delectable and filling as more traditional options.

Congratulations, Animal Aid, on a successful event showcasing compassion to all animals!

Vegan Event Grant Recipient: Citizen Coalition for Wildlife and Environment

We’re happy to report on another successful event, this time by Citizen Coalition for Wildlife and Environment, of Grand Island, NY. Wildlife Appreciation and Education Day brought together a diverse group of people to talk about and educate on compassionate coexistence and habitat and wildlife protection—and snacks were provided through our Food for Thought vegan event grant!

Event organizer Dave Reilly said that the food was a big hit, with many attendees expressing their shock that it was all vegan. The enticing comfort food spread put together by local community college food service included vegan “mac and cheese,” plant-based sliders, and pickled beet and chef salads. According to Reilly, the college caterer was so pleased with their completely vegan menu, that they plan to advertise it as an option for future events, which will help even more functions go vegan!

​A big thanks to the Coalition for encouraging people to consider the choices they make that affect both animals and the environment.

Vegan Event Grant Recipient: Climate Tracker

​Congratulations to event grant recipient, Climate Tracker, an international organization that trains aspiring young journalists to learn and write about climate change! Climate Tracker recently hosted a three-day Climate Journalism Workshop in Poland, bringing together participants from four different countries and providing delicious vegan food for all activities.

International Program Manager Arthur Wyns relayed that the event was a great success. “Reducing meat consumption is an important element in tackling climate change, a fact most participants were unaware of going into the workshop,” he said. “Differently from other such events we have organised in the past, this all-vegan workshop led to many more heated discussions on environmental issues such as meat consumption, lifestyle change, and sustainability. Some of the young journalists have already written about the subject in their national media since the workshop.”

“Only a few of the participants were vegan or vegetarian,” said Wyn. “For most participants, eating vegan was a new experience they would not have undertaken on their own. Many participants were surprised how delicious and varied the food was they were served.” Wyn also mentioned that the caterers were new to creating plant-based meals as well, and they found the process a creative challenge, proudly sharing the results on social media. Menus for the multi-day event included local Polish foods, Middle Eastern style tasters (think hummus and olives), vegan burgers, and fresh juice. 

After the event, Climate Tracker adopted a formal menu policy which states all projects going forward “are obliged to be 100% vegetarian, and should aim at being entirely plant-based.” The group plans to incorporate this new policy into a broader sustainability policy in the new year.

Thank you, Climate Tracker, for walking your talk as an environmental organization by providing vegan food for your trainings and implementing a plant-based events policy!

Vegan Event Grant Recipient: Our Companions Animal Rescue

Last month, Our Companions Animal Rescue hosted their annual birthday party fundraiser, celebrating six years since they opened their sanctuary in Ashford, CT. Our Companions Animal Rescue (OCAR) is home to cats and dogs with medical and/or behavioral challenges where they are provided the time, guidance, and care until they find their forever homes. OCAR also provides a number of programs for their community including dog and cat behavioral services, training classes, support services for feral cats, veterinary assistance, and public education.

OCAR has been a long-time supporter of the Food for Thought campaign, adopting their formal vegetarian menu policy in 2015, but this event marks the first time all food provided was plant-based. Local caterer Not Only Juice provided attendees with a dazzlingly delicious  spread of arugula beet salad, potato salad, chickpea salad, quinoa salad, caponata wraps, "bacon" and sweet potato sandwiches, "chicken" salad wraps, and vegan cupcakes adorned with pictures of sanctuary residents. How cute! 

Volunteers, donors, and guests were invited to tour the sanctuary and meet the animals. According to OCAR Executive Director, Susan Linker, “While our Sanctuary is lovely and a great place to visit I have to say that the food made the event. All the guests felt so special to have such a delicious and ethical spread provided for them and people raved about the food.”

We applaud OCAR for their steadfast commitment to compassion for all animals and we wish them all the best as they continue their life-saving work. Thank you for being humane leaders for your community!

Vegan Event Grant Recipient: Nevada County Pets In Need

Nevada County Pets in Need (NCPIN), a 100% volunteer staffed organization that collects food and supplies for the companion animals of those in need, recently held a beautiful gratitude event for 80 of their donors. It was also their first ever all vegan event! The fully plant-based reception was a hit from start to finish.

The catered dinner was purchased with a grant provided by the Food for Thought program. Thanks to the talents of Emily’s Catering & Cakes, attendees enjoyed an array of tasty bites including tofu lettuce cups, crostini with fig and butternut squash, endive with curried tofu, stuffed mushrooms, polenta with chili, seasonal fresh fruit, and cobbler. (It all sounds absolutely delicious!) The best part of it all? Zero animals were harmed in the creation of the meal!

Patti Galle, the Executive Director of NCPIN, said people were raving about “how good [the] vegan food was,” and added that “many had not tried it before [and] loved it!” It is always fun to try new foods. It is also so exciting to see more and more animal welfare groups like NCPIN expanding their scope of impact by choosing to leave animal products off their plates at events. Way to go, NCPIN! We deeply admire your commitment and compassion.

If your organization is interested in hosting its premiere plant-based event, be sure to check out our grants page.

Vegan Event Grant Recipient: Alberta Spay and Neuter Task Force

We are proud to announce the first ever recipient of the new Food for Thought Vegan Event Grant! The Alberta Spay Neuter Task Force (ASNTF), which helps reduce companion animal overpopulation in Canada’s First Nation communities, held a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon earlier this month. From all accounts, it was a smashing success!

Jackie Lind, the Medical Manager for ASNTF, reported that the event “was well attended” with a “fun atmosphere and rave reviews about the food.” “[The food] was amazing and most people had several plates full,” she added. And we can see why! 

ASNTF served up a delicious 100% plant-based buffet including Thai tofu subs, falafel skewers, two varieties of popcorn chicken, jackfruit pulled pork tacos with coleslaw, loaded nachos with homemade salsa and guacamole, and assorted vegan sushi rolls. They topped it off with blueberry vanilla cupcakes for dessert.

The food was catered by local restaurants in Calgary, AB, including the all vegan Dandelion Cafe, with the vegan sushi from Globefish, and cupcakes from Planet Organic.

We are proud to have sponsored this event with our Vegan Event Grant and wish ASNTF all the best as they continue their amazing work and further become truly humane leaders!

New Grants Available for Vegan Events!

Animal Place’s Food for Thought campaign, which works to promote veg policies for companion animal, wildlife, and environmental organizations, has two new programs to encourage vegan events!

Nonprofits that are holding an all-vegan event for the first time can get up to $1000 of their food costs reimbursed. And for catered galas, Food for Thought is encouraging orgs to add a vegan option that can be selected in advance at half price. Animal Place will pay the other half, up to $1000.

Alberta Spay Neuter Task Force (ASNTF), which helps reduce companion animal overpopulation in Canada’s First Nation communities, was the first recipient of an event grant. Their Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon for 60 people provided a colorful variety of vegan dishes that drew rave reviews from attendees.

Like ASNTF, animal shelters, SPCA's, humane societies, wildlife rescues, and environmental groups increasingly see it’s ethically inconsistent to serve some animals as food while protecting others. To date more than 350 orgs in North America have adopted animal- and earth-friendly menu policies. Along with helping volunteers and employees promote vegan policies within their orgs, Food for Thought partners with outside groups such as the Center for Biological Diversity to raise the issue of animal agriculture’s impact on the planet.

Note these grants are only available for orgs that do not already have an official policy of serving vegan meals at events like fundraisers and conferences. Those interested in applying for a grant can learn more here.​ Food for Thought also continues to offer Policy Grants for adopting a formal veg menu policy.