Food

The Texas Veggie Fair, now at Dallas Farmers Market on Nov. 2, features plant-based foods, vegan vendors, and live music. Expect over 15,000 visitors and highlights like speakers, cruelty-free products, and food from vendors like El Palote and Beyond Meat. Parking and transit options are available.

Viridescent Kitchen, a new vegan café in Plano, offers a plant-based, largely gluten-free menu. Founded by Laura Thornthwaite, Gabrielle Reyes, and Brooke Ali, it features dishes like Monster Nachos and Beyond Beef Figgy Burger. The restaurant prioritizes taste, environmental friendliness, and caters to dietary needs.

The 10th annual Okrapalooza festival on Sept. 14-15 at Reeves Family Farm will feature a Seed to Table dinner and a family-oriented fest with a chef cook-off. Proceeds benefit Promise of Peace Gardens' programs like Soup It Forward, aiding Dallas food deserts with fresh produce and nutritional education.

UT Dallas was recognized for its comprehensive food waste diversion program, winning the 2019 Sustainability Innovation Award from APPA. The program captures 100% of dining hall food waste, minimizes overall waste, and diverts 75,000 pounds annually. Students and staff play key roles in this model initiative.

North Texans are embracing food composting, aided by local businesses and Fort Worth's pilot program. This effort diverts food waste from landfills, with services like Cowboy Compost and others offering pickup, drop-off, and educational programs. These initiatives aim to extend landfill life and promote environmental sustainability.

The Healthy Hippie in Watauga, led by Kelli Myatt, introduces the Eco Club to promote sustainable living. For a fee, members gain access to compost and recycling services and workshops. Myatt envisions expanding the venue and becoming the first all-vegetarian vendor at the Texas State Fair.

Fort Worth launched a pilot residential composting program, a North Texas first. For an annual $20 fee, residents receive composting supplies and access to collection sites. The initiative aims to reduce landfill waste and methane emissions while creating valuable gardening products. Over 200 participants joined in the first week.

Dr. Will Tuttle, animal advocate and author of "The World Peace Diet," spoke in Dallas, highlighting compassion for all beings and the spiritual links of diet. Following a screening of "A Prayer for Compassion," the event, hosted by Maya Acosta and Dr. Rizwan Bukhari, featured discussions, vegan food, and a piano performance.

Down to Earth Vegan Kitchen, a new plant-based Mexican cafe by Alma Rangel, opened on the University of Texas at Arlington campus. Known for her vegetarian food truck, Rangel now offers vegan favorites like Spicy Sweet Potato Tacos and Grilled Nopalitos Cactus Tacos. Feedback encourages menu expansion.

TS Wellness, founded in 2018 by David Sholkoff and Patricia Thomson, aims to improve health and corporate productivity through better nutrition. They promote plant-based diets for their health and environmental benefits, offering services like wellness programs and cooking demonstrations to combat obesity and reduce healthcare costs.