For Daniel Austin, being vegan defines his life. So does being a decorated powerlifter. And, to him, those things go hand in hand. Austin, 43, travels the country selling his book titled “The Way of The Vegan Meathead: Eating for Strength.” That’s what led him to Durham Central Park Sunday for Triangle VegFest, an annual event highlighting small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The festival welcomed not just vegans, but all who are curious about a plant-based lifestyle. Although Austin has been vegan for 21 years, he acknowledges that “veganism is not gonna be for everyone,” even in his own family. His brother, a spearfisher, still kills what he eats.
“We have to meet people where they are,” Austin said. “Don’t make perfect the enemy of good. Do what you can.”
Thirty-seven vendors had booths at the event, selling everything from vegan and vegetarian foods to home goods. VegFest Expos, the nonprofit behind the festival, hosted its first Triangle-area VegFest in Raleigh in 2014. It now holds events all over the East Coast, with one planned in Syracuse at the end of the month.
Helene Greenberg, Executive Director of VegFest Expos, has been behind this mission since the start. Greenberg, 56, first brought the event to Durham in 2017.
“They’re about more than a diet,” Greenberg said.
Greenberg estimates roughly 1,000 people came to Sunday’s event. From babies to elderly, vegans to non-vegans – the expos attract a wide audience.
“I can’t say anything about veganism unless [non-vegans] ask. And when they ask, I talk,” she said. “I won’t push anything on anyone else. It’s just not the right thing to do.”
Greenberg became vegan in 2011, but is now vegetarian. She believes that vegans think about the long-term impacts of their habits not just for their own health, but for the environment.
“The number one thing at this point is saving the planet,” she said. “The rest of it doesn’t matter.”
Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge sponsored Sunday’s event. The refuge, consisting of 20 acres in Pittsboro, provides lifelong care for more than 100 animals who were abused or neglected. It prides itself on its “animal-centered architecture” which prioritizes animals’ needs and comfort. The refuge also offers education about animal agriculture and its harms, encouraging veganism by providing knowledge and tools for people interested in a plant-based lifestyle.
Because North Carolina is the third-leading state in pork production nationwide, the refuge is currently fundraising for ‘The Pig Project’ to build a forever home for pigs in need of sanctuary. Their upcoming ‘Three Little Pigs 5K Trail Run’, scheduled for Oct. 10 in Pittsboro, aims to spread awareness about the effects of pig production on animals and our environment.
Greenberg believes what enables VegFest to be so successful are its vendors, which are primarily small and local businesses.
“This is community,” she said. “This is shopping small. And those two things need to stay together.”
Among the vendors was Tasala Rufai, 44. She started her business, Sweetly Rooted, after the COVID-19 pandemic, when a passion blossomed into the right moment. Selling granolas and baked goods, she says her purpose is to enable customers to “maximize nutrients, but still enjoy something sweet.”
“It’s delicious,” said Donna Gray, who has been a Sweetly Rooted customer since the business started. “I don’t have to worry about stuff in there not being good.”
For Rufai, her favorite part of the job is being at markets.
“Coming and interacting with people is very energizing,” she said. “I’m very excited to be here today.”
Greenberg and her team have three more VegFest expos planned this year, determined to support the vegan cause for the benefit of the environment.
“It’s hard not to be pessimistic,” Greenberg said, reflecting on the state of our planet. “You can’t go down a spiral, though. Your overall mindset needs to be positive.”
Photo at top: VegFest organizer Helene Greenberg greets a festival attendee. Photo by Mélia Lemoine – The 9th Street Journal
Mélia Lemoine
