October 1 was World Vegetarian Day, an annual kickoff for Vegetarian Awareness Month established by North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS). This week San Diego steps up with a variety of great educational events aiming to help those interested in becoming a vegetarian through San Diego Veg Week.
Today San Diego’s festivities begin with a veg shopping tour of Trader Joe’s, a place many vegheads frequent. Some of my favorite products include TJ’s Almond Butter with Roasted Flaxseeds, Pure Organic Chocolate Brownie Bars (gluten-free, vegan and raw), and Food for Life Ezekiel Sprouted Grain Tortillas.
Tonight Last Chance for Animals is hosting an event at Joyce Beers Center with Dr. Michael Greger speaking on the latest in human clinical nutrition. Greger gives cutting edge info in a lively quiz-style format, and vegan cookies and live music by Stone Train will add to the fun.
Tomorrow morning check out the food tasting and vegan bake sale at the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market. District 3 City Councilmember Todd Gloria who has pledged to go veg will attend. Gloria is also very supportive of the East African refugees I work with, so go see him if you can!
On Monday enjoy reviews of veggie books and cookbooks and screening of the factory farming documentary Peaceable Kingdom. Many other events throughout the week will inform and inspire, and local restaurants are giving discounts and creating special veg Week menus.
With so many resources at our disposal, becoming a vegetarian has perhaps never been easier.
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A side note:
Would you like to see your name in lights and help the planet, animals and our health? I am looking for people who would like to write short articles of about 300 words for my veggie blog from time to time. Topics typically include vegetarian/vegan experts, events, restaurants and travel, but there is room for creativity. If interested, please comment below this article and I will email you!
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Photo courtesy of SD Veg Week (APRL).
