Why our events are vegan

The Lone Star Vegetarian Network, a loosely-knit group of Texas vegetarian societies, was formed in 1989. There were four members that first year: Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and South Texas in Brazoria County. Now there are ten groups from around the state. Contact between the groups is important and while each group retains full autonomy, they agree to assure that all vegetarian events hosted by them will be vegan (no animal products served, including dairy and eggs). While it is not required that members be vegan, it does not seem unreasonable to expect them to enjoy pure vegan food at such events.

Sometimes lacto-ovo vegetarians have questioned this rule. So why is it so important? For all the same reasons we don't eat meat. Every one. And out of courtesy for all the growing number of vegans among us. Surely lacto-ovo vegetarians know how frustrating it can be to have to ask, "What is in this food--lard, chicken broth, etc." and how nice it is to attend vegetarian events where we no longer have to worry. Vegan events are both supportive and educational. Vegetarian organizations need to be on the cutting edge. Thank you for being with us on this!

~~Shirley Wilkes-Johnson
Co-Founder, Lone Star Vegetarian Network

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BOARD MEETINGS

Board meetings are usually held once a month on a Monday. All members and anyone interested in joining the Vegetarian Society are welcome to come discuss issues and plan VSEP’s future. Fresh ideas and perspectives are always appreciated, and keep our organization healthy and vital! Check here for future meeting information.

Monday, March 16

Monday, April 20

Monday, May 18

ALL MEMBERS WELCOME

Location: Veggie Good restaurant, 3800 N. Mesa, El Paso, TX (unless otherwise notified)
Time: Eat at 6:00 p.m. Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

If you are planning to attend, please let Greg know in case meeting is cancelled or changed.

Phone: 543-9723

E-mail: president@vsep.org

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POTLUCK GUIDELINES

All dishes must be completely vegan. They may not contain any flesh (fish, fowl, or beast), eggs, dairy products, or honey. This rule guarantees that everyone can eat everything (allergies and preferences aside).

Please watch out for hidden milk products such as whey in cookies, crackers, bread and margarine, and casein or caseinate in "non-dairy" soy cheeses and whipped toppings. Some margarine contains gelatin. Also be alert for eggs in baked goods, mayonnaise in salad dressings, and honey in breads (wheat breads are notorious for this), pastries, and preserves.

Please prepare a 4x6 card with:

• your name
• the name of the dish
• a list of all ingredients
• the recipe on the back of the card
• indicate where the recipe came from or if it was original.

Prepare enough to serve ten (10) people. Please bring your own table setting as well as a serving utensil. If you don't feel like cooking, you may bring a green salad, fruit, tortilla chips and salsa, fruit salad, etc. Your host will provide drinks.

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RESTAURANT HOPPER
COURTESY RULES

• Please order only vegetarian options. This helps newcomers see what vegetarians eat and the options that are available.
• As seating on Fridays and Saturdays is usually limited, we need to give our restaurants a head count two to three days in advance of our event. You must reserve a place with the Hopper coordinator in order to be seated with our group.Late bookings are sometimes possible, but you must call the restaurant first and then advise the Hopper coordinator. If you must cancel, please call both the restaurant and the Hopper coordinator.
• We always request separate checks. Make sure everything has been included, and leave an adequate gratuity. Some restaurants automatically add the gratuity for a larger group – ask if you are unsure.
• It goes without saying, but please be polite to restaurant staff and other patrons. Finally, if you are unhappy with the service, let the Hopper coordinator know. If you are happy with the service, let the restaurant know!

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