How in the world are we halfway through September? I swear it was just July a few weeks ago!
I know I went a little quiet here for a bit, but I promise it was for a good reason: I started a new job! While I won’t be sharing a whole lot of details, I can say I’m thrilled to be working with an organization that aligns with my values—and I absolutely love what I’m doing. The trade-off? Blogging took a bit of a back seat while I adjusted to new priorities.
That said, I’ve still been “veganing” the heck out of YYC. The last few weeks have been packed with fun eats and happenings I can’t wait to recap—and there’s plenty coming up that’s worth getting excited about too. But first, let’s rewind to everything I’ve been up to.
On August 2nd, I joined the very first demonstration for Animal Justice’s Cage-Free Egg Campaign targeting Sobeys. Ten years ago, Sobeys committed to Animal Justice that it would diligently transition its supply chain and sell only cage-free eggs by 2025. We’re well into that year—and Sobeys hasn’t even begun to honor its promise. This is unacceptable. If you’d like to add your voice to the cause, you can do so HERE.
August also marked the third birthday of the YYC Vegan Social Club — a community that continues to bring together some of the kindest, most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. One of the highlights for me was their Friendship Bracelet-Making Party, which was such a fun and creative way to connect with others. The members make every event feel easy and inviting, whether you’re new to veganism or a longtime local. If you’re looking to meet great people and plug into Calgary’s vegan community, their events are a wonderful place to start. You can find the official Facebook group HERE.
I was finally able to check a visit to FARRM off of my bucket list! Short for Farm Animal Rescue and Rehoming Movement, FARRM was founded in 2013 in response to the rising numbers of displaced pot-bellied pigs. Located near Wetaskiwin, it is now home to a multitude of different animal species, from pigs to sheep to barn cats. Like most farm animal sanctuary residents, their stories are filled with heartbreak, resilience, and highlight the caring individuals that provide them with a safe space. To donate to FARRM or for more information about tours etc., visit HERE.
To close out the month, my roommate and I hit the road for Edmonton VegFest, where we sampled tasty treats and chatted with local businesses. The omnivore gave two thumbs up to Freson Bros’ pizza and a flavour-packed platter from Orii, while I was blown away by the Dole Whip varieties at Dol-lishious. A major highlight was visiting Seitans (formerly Die Pie) in their brand-new space and picking up some amazing vegan cheeses to bring home. Check out my Instagram for highlights!
So… What’s Next?
Sadly, Monday’s Plant Café closed its doors at the end of August; a real loss for our local vegan community. The good news? Their cookbook is still available for purchase online, as well as at Nan’s Noodle House and Hearts Choices, so a little piece of Monday’s can live on in our kitchens. Even better, the space itself will remain vegan: Canela has scooped it up for their second location! Keep an eye on their socials for the opening date later in September. I’m definitely going to be there, and a review of Monday’s cookbook is also coming soon!
Looking ahead, I’m launching Rice, Beans, and Beyond – The Pantry Staples Challenge in response to rising food costs. For 30 days, I’ll be making grains, legumes, and pulses the foundation of my meals – rounded out with pantry basics, seasonal produce, nuts and seeds. My goal is twofold: to spark fresh inspiration for whole-food recipes, and to lighten the grocery bill by choosing ingredients over processed foods. Too often, when affordability and veganism come up, “rice and beans” gets tossed out as the cliché answer, but they haven’t been the backbone of my diet… until now. Catch the day-to-day across my social media channels, and, if you’d like to join, keep an eye on this space for more information.
Looking for something to do this fall? Make sure to check out the Vegan in YYC Event Calendar for upcoming events in Calgary, from social hangs to vegan outreach and more.
And I think that just about wraps it up! But I want to hear from you: what would you like to see next? Any topics you’re curious about or recipes you’d love me to share? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Thank you so much for sticking with me! Stay tuned for upcoming challenge updates and delicious new recipes, as well as a series I’ve been working on about vegan activism! And as always, don’t forget to follow me on social media (@veganinyyc) for even more YYC Vegan content. See you soon!
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