By Carol Merrick

For most of us in the progressive movement, peace is expressed in many avenues of our lives: how we interact with others, our political affiliations, what we buy and consume, and what we choose to eat. In an effort to taste a peaceful diet, Northwest VEG is organizing the 2nd Annual VegFest: A Compassionate Living Fair. It will be held March 18 at the First Unitarian Church, 12th and S.W. Main St., Portland, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a $5 admission. Sponsors include the First Unitarian Church’s UU Community for Earth, In Defense of Animals, Natural Awakenings Magazine, and Blossoming Lotus Restaurant-Vegan World Fusion Cuisine, and VegNews Magazine.

Peace is on many people’s mind. We live in a violent culture and many of us want to promote peace in the world, but often it seems impossible and overwhelming. We might wonder what are some of the ways we can bring more peace into our lives? How can we encourage others to be more peaceful? For me, it starts with what I eat. I want a diet that does no harm to any living being. I have chosen a vegan diet (no meat, eggs, or dairy products) because it brings me peace to know that I’m not contributing to the suffering of any animal, most of which are raised in cruel but highly profitable factory farms. I have chosen this diet for health and environmental reasons, too.

The VegFest will help people reevaluate the misconception that a veggie diet is like the Standard American Diet without the meat, i.e. a boring, tasteless diet. At the VegFest, people can sample delicious and healthy food from more than 20 regional and national natural food companies, including LaraBar, Turtle Mountain Frozen Treats, Moosewood Foods, Field Roast Grain Meat, RiseUp Donuts, Columbia Gorge Organics, and others. Local chefs will demonstrate the preparation of tasty entrees, side dishes, and desserts. In addition, five speakers including nationally known Howard Lyman, a.k.a. the Mad Cowboy, and New York nutritionist George Eisman will lecture during the day. Part of the VegFest will include children activities, so bring the whole human family.

Carol Merrick is Secretary of Northwest VEG and has been an activist/artist for the last 15 years. She’s a graduate of Evergreen State College in Olympia.

For more information, please visit www.nwveg.org or write info (at) nwveg.org or call 503-224-7380.