|
|
news > 28 October 2006 Free Food Fayre – Saturday, 28 October 2006The American Church London , 79a Tottenham Court Road Following the success of five free vegan food fayres in central London , Vegan Campaigns organised a Cruelty Free Food Fayre on Saturday, 28 October 2006 to coincide with National Vegan Week and World Vegan Day. The aim of the event was to promote the delights and variety of vegan food to non-vegans, and to show them how easy, healthy and tasty a vegan diet is. There were information stalls (Animal Aid, Vegan Campaigns and London Vegans) and a range of tasty savoury and sweet food. Sponsors of the fayre included Vegan Society, Animal Aid, London Vegan Festival, Mr. Man Chinese Restaurant, Redwoods, Frys, Isle of Bute, Cauldron Foods, Rock's Organic Cordials, Plamil, Granovita, Booja-Booja, Clearspring, Doves Farm, Alpro Soya, Blue Lotus, Pogo Cafe, Zedz, Natural Balance, Vegan Store, Tofutti, Nairns, Yaoh, Wholebake. This report summarises the results of the survey given out to participants on the day. Those Who Attended 228 people filled out the questionnaire, although we expect a number of people attended, but did not fill out their questionnaires. We estimate 300 – 350 people attended. Those who filled out their questionnaires were given a free vegan gift. 59% of those who filled out their questionnaires were meat eaters, 24% were vegetarians and 17% were vegan. An A5 flier was designed to promote the fayre. “Nice leaflet design” (meat eater). This time, we promoted the event mainly through door to door leafleting and leafleting on the street on the day of the fayre. As a result, we had record numbers of meat eaters attending. “I think it is wonderful to see so many people eating vegan food! Especially when many seem to be non-vegans” (vegan). As usual, we put up an A1 sign outside the venue, signposting passers by into the fayre. The following chart shows the way that people who attended found out about the fayre, split into meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans.
24% of meat eaters found out about the fayre through word of mouth 23% of meat eaters found out through door to door leafleting 21% of meat eaters found out by a leafletter on the street on the day 11% of meat eaters were walking past. Changes in Diet 74% of meat eaters said that they would try more vegan food, and 83% of vegetarians said they would. 17% of meat eaters said they would possibly try more vegan food and 11% of vegetarians said they possibly would.
Participants were asked if there would be a change in their diet as a result of the fayre. The following table shows the results:
Out of the meat eaters, 9% said that they were thinking of becoming vegan, 36% said they were thinking of becoming vegetarian. 46% said their diet would mainly remain the same. 52% of vegetarians who attended said that they were thinking of becoming vegan. Tasty Food
Comments on the questionnaire showed how delicious and varied the food was: “Delicious food!” (meat eater) “I never thought vegan food had such variety and taste” (meat eater) “A variety of dishes from many continents” (vegetarian) “I didn't know that vegan food is so tasty” (meat eater) “I was unaware of the vast variety of alternatives to animal products” (meat eater) “It seems there's nothing that can't be made in a vegan way” (meat eater) “Such a good idea, a lot of these foods I would never have thought of cooking. It has inspired me to eat more of these foods”. (vegetarian) “Very impressed with the standard of vegan food and foods made from non-dairy products” (meat eater) “It was hard to tell the lack of meat in some products” (meat eater) Recipes “These recipes will be really useful” (vegetarian) “Many thanks for the recipe booklet. I will definitely try these out at home” (meat eater) “Lots of ideas for recipes” (vegetarian) Good Atmosphere “Great community atmosphere” (meat eater) ”The service was absolutely perfect!”(meat eater) “Not pushy, which was fantastic” (meat eater) “The people were friendly” (meat eater) “Good encouragement” (vegetarian thinking about becoming vegan) New Vegans “These events help me very much as I have just given up dairy food” (vegan) “My brother is a vegan in Russia , where its really hard to be one. I'll send him these recipes”. (vegetarian) “As local contact for Ramsgate, we are going to do a similar event next year”. “What a brilliant event and thank you to the organisers” (vegan) “I will be getting more involved to help you spread the vegan word!” (vegan) What Else Did People Say? “I wish they did this in Birmingham ” (meat eater) “Good food, good points of view. Something to think about” (meat eater) Learning From Experience Comments from organisers/volunteers to help us improve the next fayre include: “Do not use the word fayre in the title, as it makes vegans think the event is for them (e.g. Xmas Without Cruelty Fayre)!” “Great idea to use one recycling area – it meant much less waste” “Don't use a church hall next time – it put some of the passers by off” “Make sure that leaflets are put up in the venue a few weeks before” “We needed more people out leafleting on the day, as it is an effective way to promote the event. Lets get more volunteers next time!” Other suggestions included:
Comments from participants include: “More information on hemp” (vegan) “Have takeaway boxes are there is loads of food left” (vegetarian) “substitute cheese is horrible” (although lots of people said they liked it!) (meat eater) “more publicity on health benefits of veganism at the fayre” (vegan) “On flier, why not add information like nearest tube and bus routes?” (vegan) “Next time, please draw a map!” (vegan) “Vegan cookery classes would be great” (vegan) “Would like to have bought household goods and clothes” (vegetarian) “Would like to have stalls selling shoes and T shirts” (vegetarian) “I was hoping to buy bread” (vegan) “Should have had more info stalls” (vegan) “More information about where to obtain vegan food” (vegan) “More recipes available” (meat eater) “Wasn't clear who everyone was and where all the different food came from” (meat eater) “Too much soya amongst generally lovely food - don't be afraid to cut down on protein! People eat too much protein and get acidic diet diseases” (vegetarian) “More promotional leaflets of companies donating food” (vegan) “Nutrition chart would be useful” (meat eater) “Would be good to know that food is kept at correct temperature during the day” (meat eater) “People who eat soya need to think about the consequences of soya fields as well as animals lives” (meat eater) “Great, but I would like to see some more inspiration for local vegan food, locally produced” (vegan) “My main concern is would a vegetarian diet provide me with essential vitamins, particularly protein” (meat eater) Would you like to get involved in organising or volunteering at the next cruelty free food fayre? If so, please contact us.
|
