F O O D + D R I N K
VEGAN'S GUIDE TO ACADIANA By Kimba Azore, The Northside Vegan
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eganism can be defined, colloquially, as abstaining from any type of animal product for consumption. Some vegans also avoid animal commodities in things such as clothing items to the soaps and lotion. This type of vegan typically holds an ethical stance for the lives of animals and the environment. On the other side of veganism, there is a group who entirely consumes a plant-based diet to control or prevent health conditions. Initially, they are not concerned about the ethical stance of veganism, but typically encompass these ideas due to their constant exposure to the causes of ethical vegans. While speaking with a lot of vegans in Acadiana, I’ve realized that there is not one group that all vegans in this Acadiana subscribe to. In my research, I learned that people become vegan for diverse reasons and we cannot make assumptions about vegans when we first encounter them. As an owner of a vegan pop-up restaurant, I have to make sure that I accommodate all vegans in Acadiana, from whole food plant-based vegans to ethical vegans; from curious vegans, to vegan-curious non-vegans. Opening myself to all of these people have rounded my thoughts into what it is to be a vegan, especially in Acadiana. I’m sharing this with you, because if you are considering this lifestyle, I want you to be ready for how your life will change forever. You will see things differently and one change to your diet will open doors, (physically, mentally and socially) that you never knew existed. I can personally confirm this claim, because veganism brought me here to you. There are many locals and local groups who contribute to the Acadiana vegan scene that can help you with your transition. Observing how vegans in Acadiana conduct their lifestyles in success of this change is your number one resource. If you have social media and just all around internet access, I will make suggestions for you that will help you tremendously in your journey--for whatever reason you decide to convert to veganism.
Kimba Azore, MILS is a children’s librarian and 8th grade English Language Arts teacher. She owns local vegan Pop-up, The Northside Vegan. She is a vocal advocate for rebuilding Lafayette North through programs focused on nutrition and food equality.
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