KALAMAZOO, MI — The Kalamazoo Farmers Market will host its first ever Vegan Market this Sunday, providing an opportunity for people to shop exclusively plant-based foods and goods from local vendors.
The free event is a collaboration between the People’s Food Co-op and Vegan Kalamazoo and being dubbed “The People’s Plant Party.” The event will highlight locally-available, vegan and plant-based products and services. It will take place from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 25, at the market site at 1204 Bank St.
Dozens of businesses and community organizations from the Kalamazoo area and throughout the Southwest Michigan region are expected at the event. All vendors will be selling exclusively vegan, plant-based products and services, a news release from the People’s Food Co-op states.
“There are many awesome local vendors sharing their vegan foods and handmade goods with our community already selling at the (Farmers) Market and Co-op, their own brick & mortar locations and other places and pop-up events,” said Katelyn Bekken-Simpson, Kalamazoo Farmers Market manager. “Plus, lots of organizations working in related areas, like health and nutrition, sustainability and animal welfare.
“We’re looking forward to bringing together as many of them as we can, so folks can discover and enjoy them all in one space at one time. Vegan or not, we’re confident there will be something for everyone.”
There is still space for more vendors and organizations, according to event organizers. Those who wish to participate are encouraged to apply at pfcmarkets.com/peoples-plant-based-party.
“We’re so grateful to the People’s Food Co-op for initiating this event,” said Hillary Rettig, cofounder and organizer of Vegan Kalamazoo. “We encourage the whole community, including nonvegans, to come out and experience the wonderful array of locally available vegan products and services.”
Rettig said that people often try veganism due to a variety of motives, including animal welfare, environmentalism and health.
“One of the glories of veganism is that, with each vegan meal, you are taking positive action on many different fronts at once,” she said.
According to a study commissioned by the Good Food Institute, international sales of vegan products are growing at a rate of more than 20% per year.
A separate study conducted by Oxford University, highlighted by Vegan Kalamazoo, found that a global increase in consumption of vegan products would both help fight climate change, and lead to improved individual and public health outcomes.
The People’s Food Co-op has been growing and supporting the local food system in Kalamazoo since 1970, and is cooperatively owned by nearly 3,900 people. For more information on the People’s Food Co-op, located at 507 Harrison St., visit pfckalamazoo.coop and pfcmarkets.com.
For information on Vegan Kalamazoo, visit vegankalamazoo.com or email [email protected].
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