Schenectady Greenmarket (inside Proctor's)

On March 25, 2012, members of the Albany Vegetarian Network set up a vegan outreach table in honor of the Great American Meatout, organized by Farm Animal Rights Movement. This tabling and food sampling event took place at Schenectady Greenmarket inside Proctor's theater from 10 am - 2 pm. Although there are a few companies at this venue which sell vegan products, the majority of the vendors sell non-vegan items, which made this a perfect location for outreach.

The companies that generously donated products included Turtle Island, Gardein, Field Roast and Whole Soy & Co. Approximately 500 samples were passed out to the shopping-crowd, who seemed genuinely interested in the various items being offered, such as Tofurky slices, Whole Soy and Co. yogurt, Field Roast sausages, Gardein bbq "chicken" and "beef" tips, Rice Dream and almond milk. Some people even waited to try a sample that was being cooked before moving on with their travels. Most people enjoyed the meat alternatives and plainly stated so.

Many questions were asked about non-dairy milk products, vitamins and minerals especially important to vegans and where to buy the products that were being sampled. Book suggestions pertaining to these questions, particularly the nutrition queries, were given to those interested.

Stickers from People for the Ethical Treatment of animals and temporary tattoos

and buttons from Turtle Island (makers of Tofurky) were all very popular. Much literature was shared on one table, from organizations such as Farm Sanctuary, Farm Animal Rights Movement, People for the Ethical Treatement of Animals and Vegan Outreach. Coupons were also available for many of the products that were being sampled.

We look forward to returning to this event later in the year!

Vegan Food Samples at the Hannaford Kidz Expo

On March 3, 2012, Albany Vegetarian Network volunteers distributed vegan food samples to the public at the Hannaford Kidz Expo at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. The plaza filled with vendors, entertainment, family friendly activities, and over 10,000 people, creating the perfect opportunity to share food and information on a massive scale.

The AVN table featured sandwiches prepared with two types of Lightlife vegan deli slices, mustard, and Vegenaise, as well as various nondairy milks (chocolate, vanilla and original versions of coconut, almond and rice milks). Many people were grateful for the opportunity to indulge their curiosities before investing at the grocery store.

By the end of the day 500 milk samples and 400 sandwiches were distributed, as well as vegan starter kits, literature on disease prevention and raising healthy vegan families from the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine and Compassion Over Killing, and animal-friendly stickers from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

After reaching so many people, and generating interest in our organization's activities, this event will definitely be on our volunteering calendar for 2013!