Monmouth University is organizing the NJHEPS (New Jersey Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability) 2019 Annual Student Summit: "Student Solutions to Plastic Pollution". The event will start with motivational talks from representatives of Clean Water Action, Surfrider Foundation, and Clean Ocean Action on their efforts and successes in reducing plastic pollution. Tables of attendees will then take on the task to discuss and report on what changes can be implemented by students and administrators on college campuses to reduce plastic usage, putting alternatives in place and setting a positive example for surrounding communities and in support of the State of New Jersey's pending plastic bag ban. This event is free, but registration is required and can be done here.
Jewish Veg will be hosting a Vegan Passover Seder on Tuesday evening. Attendees will delight in a four-course vegan meal and learn about Passover's connection with veganism. In addition to enjoying great food and meeting wonderful people, you'll find out more about how you can get involved in our work in New York. You can register here.
A cooking demonstration of plant based recipes will be held at Dean's Cafe in Metuchen. Taking place on Wednesday, the 24th, join plant-based health and wellness expert Jessica Jarmer as she shows wonderful plant-based recipes that anyone can enjoy! Click here to register.
On Thursday 04/25, join PETA outside Pfizer, Inc's annual shareholders meeting. Demand that the company end their use of the forced swim test, in which terrified mice and other small animals are placed in inescapable beakers filled with water and forced to swim in order to keep from drowning. Posters and leaflets will be provided.
Celebrate spring with PennHerb in Philadelphia by joining an English Tea Party. Experience an afternoon of entirely plant-based treats in a spacious seating area, tucked away inside one of the oldest health stores in Philadelphia, founded in 1924. This event is a part of Chef Lenka Zivkovic's project, “A Taste Of Vegan Gastronomy Around The Globe” and is a collaboration between her Philly Veg Catering company and Alice Leung, owner of Soy Cafe. For this luncheon, Lenka and Alice will create a variety of delicious spring dishes and accompaniments whose essence originates from different regions of England, with Alice adding her creative desserts, assorted teas and smoothies. Special guest Francine Safir will join us to discuss the history of English Tea with music provided by Incidence Entertainment. Tickets can be purchased here. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Cooks Who Care, a group that specializes in taking care of the dedicated people working in the food & beverage industry by providing wellness benefit programming for restaurants called C.A.R.E. (Care About Restaurant Employees). As an added bonus, Penn Herb will offer a 10% off discount to their store for all who attend the event!
The 6th Annual Jammin' for Jaclyn Benefit Concert will happen on Saturday, 04/27. This adults only concert is an annual benefit for those fighting cancer. A free hot/cold buffet from over 60 eateries (vegan options), 10 Live Bands, a 50/50, a door prize and a cash bar for just a $25 minimum donation at the door. This all takes place at the Knights of Columbus on 775 Washington Road in Parlin from 3:30pm-Midnight (Bar is open until 2am). Tickets can be purchased at the door. Look for the Vegan in NJ signs, as we are sponsors of this event. We are also hosting a 6pm meetup (make sure you're a member of our Facebook group first, in order to view that link!) at our tables, so come and hang!
As part of Earth Month, a special Vegan Pop-up will be taking place within Grand Bazaar NYCs curated weekly market. Hosted by The Seed NYC, come discover and explore the vegan and plant-based lifestyle. There'll be something for everyone, so bring your vegan and non-vegan friends with you! 100% of Grand Bazaar NYC's profits are donated to four local public schools, benefiting over 4,000 children. Be sure to come hungry and ready to shop local! Admission is free.
Vegan Market At Market Hotel is a monthly indoor pop up market with some of the area's best vegan vendors. This months market will be on Sunday, 04/28. There is plenty of food, apparel, bath & body products, and cosmetics. All vendors are 100% vegan all of the time not just vegan for the day. This is an all ages event with a full bar for those over 21 so bring your ID if you want to drink. As always, admission is free.
There will be a peaceful protest at Laurita Winery in New Egypt on Sunday during their BaconFest. At least 10 volunteers are needed to make this successful. Please see the Facebook Event page for more information.
NJVeg will be hosting lunch at Cafe Diem, an all-vegan restaurant. If the Sunday weather cooperates, lunch will be followed with an optional hike/walk at Cattus Island County Park in Toms River. Please RSVP (required) by April 26 to NJveg.org@gmail.com or 609-557-7077.
Urban Veg will take place Sunday, April 28th, from 2:00-6:00 at the Soup Factory Studio in Philadelphia. Join local vegan/ plant base health and wellness entrepreneurs, speakers and social influencers as we highlight and celebrate the Philly urban vegan community. Enjoy free smoothies and the first 50 online ticket purchasers will receive a free t-shirt. Tickets are available here. Children 12 and under are free.
Anonymous for the Voiceless's Cube of Truth is a peaceful static demonstration akin to an art performance. A demonstration will be held Sunday at the Queens Center in Elmhurst, NY. This demonstration operates in a structured manner that triggers curiosity and interest from the public; we attempt to lead bystanders to a vegan conclusion through a combination of local standard-practice animal exploitation footage and conversations with a value-based sales approach. Masks, signs, and outreach literature are provided. Black upper clothing appropriate for the weather is essential, and please bring a fully charged laptop or tablet if you have one. Interested volunteers should join this Facebook group.
Finally, the Jersey Shore chapter of Food Not Bombs will be feeding those in need at the Asbury Park Train Station between 3:00 and 4:00. If you want to donate something, contact them via their Facebook page or by emailing them at jerseyshorefoodnotbombs@yahoo.com. The Jersey City chapter meets at the Journal Square plaza at noon every Sunday. For donations, contact them via their Facebook page or at foodnotbombsjc@gmail.com.
Vegan in NJ events scheduled (*must be a member of the Facebook group to view private events):
5/18 Skylands Volunteer Day* (FULL)
Vegan in NJ is raising money through Crowdrise for Skylands Animal Sanctuary. We also have some new team members that can be found on our Crowdrise. If you are interested in signing up for the 5k and donating/joining our team to fundraise, please send me an email for your discount code for the race and proof of donation/team sign up! Proceeds from our apparel, which are available with our official design (thanks Lisette!) are available on Teespring!
If you are hosting an event or know of an event happening that you do not see on our events page, please send an email to cherise@veganinnj.com and I'll add it to the page ASAP and include it in my weekly breakdown.
We have started a Patreon page and we would love it if you could donate any amount you could. We will be working on setting up tiers as time goes on, but for right now, you will just get access to our feed, where we will be working through ideas and events we plan to host in the future. This will be a great place for you to have your voice heard about how we can make NJ the most vegan friendly place it can be. Proceeds from our Patreon will be going to maintain the website, brand, and afford us to be able to hire on more awesome vegans to help us on our journey to make NJ a vegan wonderland!
Thank you to those who came here via the Try Vegan email blast! If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you can learn more about the Try Vegan empire via their meal delivery (use that link for a free meal!), their food truck, or their clothing line. They also now have an app in the App Store or on Google Play!