Go Vegan with Exeter Friends for Animals

On Saturday 2 April, Exeter Friends For Animals (EFFA) in association with Fairfoods Catering will be launching their spring “Go Vegan” campaign at St Stephen’s Church in Exeter High Street.

Anyone interested in trying an animal-free diet, or simply curious about “what vegans eat”,  is welcome to drop by between 11.30 am and 2.30 pm to browse the information stalls, pick up some recipe ideas, try some free food samples or stop for tea and cake or a snack.

At 2 pm, there will also be a talk on the health benefits of veganism by sports scientist Jack Childs.  As a former chronic fatigue sufferer turned ultramarathon runner, Jack is well qualified to speak on the subject, and will be happy to answer any queries and concerns people may have about plant-based nutrition.

The 3-week programme of events continues on Tuesday 5th with a free screening of Speciesism: The Movie at the Exeter Phoenix’s brand new Studio 74, followed by various other activities around the city including a Great Vegan Breakfast, a “drop-in” drinks night and even a vegan carvery, which the organisers think must be a first! It culminates in a grand Vegan Fair & Bake Sale at the Palace Gate Centre on Saturday 23 April.

According to EFFA coordinator Martin Fox, “Exeter is becoming a really vegan-friendly city, and we’re delighted to have the support of so many mainstream venues.

"We’ve been running this scheme for several years now, but we’ve noticed a real boom in veganism recently, as reflected by the popularity of cookbooks such as the bestselling Deliciously Ella, and the fact that most restaurants now offer vegan options or even a complete vegan menu. 

"The change is partly due to health reasons, and partly as people become more adventurous and want to try new foods. There used to be a notion that going vegan meant giving things up; nowadays it’s a much more positive lifestyle choice – good for us, good for animals and good for the environment”.

For full details of the events, visit the EFFA website www.effa-uk.org or facebook page https://www.facebook.com/exeterfriendsforanimals/ or call 07796 581915. The group has also produced a Vegan Guide to Eating Out in Exeter and Devon, which is available at all its events and can be downloaded from the website.