feed-in.noun. The distribution of free vegetarian food, literature and recipes to individuals within a community. A positive, pro-active advocacy event utilized by animal advocates to illustrate to consumers that vegan alternatives to meat, dairy and egg products are delicious and convenient.
Misconceptions about vegetarianism abound. Many people mistakenly assume that they will be forced to subsist on "strange" foods like wheat germ, or survive on lettuce and brown rice. Others are concerned that their diets will be tasteless or unhealthy without the hamburgers, chicken, cheese and other animal products that they are accustomed to.
Demonstrating to vegetarians-to-be that compassionate eating is delicious, easy and healthful is why vegan feed-ins are so important.
Feed-ins work because rather than telling someone what they can't have, they showcase foods that are available. Most individuals transitioning toward vegetarianism are amazed at the wealth of new tastes they can enjoy. Whether it's a vegan version of chicken nuggets or a creamy dairy-free ice cream cone, vegan feed-ins give the public delicious, healthy samples of cruelty-free food. The vegetarian samples provided are always examples of foods that are readily available at mainstream supermarkets and affordable to the average household.
Rather than presenting vegetarianism as a diet of abstinence or sacrifice, vegan feed-ins demonstrate the variety and abundance of vegetarian eating and present it as a mainstream, healthy and positive lifestyle choice.
Feeding Communities Knowledge, Inspiration and Vegan Delights
As the saying goes, "The best way to win people's hearts is through their stomachs." This sentiment is the driving force behind the success of feed-in events. Feed-ins are a valuable campaign strategy in promoting cruelty-free food choices for various reasons, including:
Winning hearts with free food: All food distributed during feed-in events is completely free for members of the public to sample. From savory "un-chicken" nuggets, topped with your favorite sauces, to tantalizing Tofurky sandwiches, velvety dairy-free ice cream cones, BBQ veggie burgers and classic vegan hot dogs, feed-ins show that there is a delicious and convenient vegan alternative to just about every meat, dairy and egg product. With such irresistible fare, it's easy for aspiring vegetarians to see that giving up animal products doesn't mean you have to give up the flavors you know and love.
Vegan food, served with a side of truth: In addition to tasty vegetarian food, feed-ins provide supportive materials and resources to inform consumers of the health, ethical, and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet. Through accompanying literature and video footage, feed-ins also expose passersby to the realities of factory farming and the suffering they can prevent by making conscious food choices. MFA volunteers are always on hand, eager to answer questions and offer helpful advice on making the transition to a vegan diet. Our comprehensive Vegetarian Starter Kits, which include resources, recipes and health information, are distributed, free of charge, during all feed-in events – giving people the tools and encouragement needed to move toward a plant-based diet.
Bringing cruelty-free cuisine to the masses: Tasting is believing, and feed-ins bring the best flavors veganism has to offer directly to the mass public – setting up food sampling stations on busy downtown street corners, outside fast food establishments and at festivals and special events. These events reach countless people who otherwise would be reluctant to try vegan versions of their favorite fare – inspiring many to reduce or eliminate their consumption of animal products.
Get Active: How You Can Help
Interested in showing the delicious side of veganism to your community? Here are a few simple tips to get you started:
Conduct a feed-in in your community: Show your community that compassionate eating is simple, healthy and delicious. Click here for a complete guide to organizing your own successful feed-in.
Apply for feed-in funding: If you would like to host a vegan feed-in in your community, but financial concerns are preventing you from hosting the event, check out VegFund.org. This organization empowers vegan activists worldwide by funding and supporting outreach activities that inspire people to choose a vegan lifestyle.
Attend a feed-in: If you live in a community where MFA is active on a grassroots level, click here to see what MFA-sponsored feed-in events are taking place in your area.
Intern with MFA: Put your compassion into action with an MFA internship. Internship opportunities are available year-round at our offices in Chicago, New York City and Columbus, Ohio. Click here for additional information and an internship application.
Donate now! Make a tax-deductible contribution to support Mercy For Animals' life-saving work on behalf of the most abused and neglected creatures on earth: farmed animals. Click here for information on joining MFA's monthly giving club, and click here for information on joining The Hope Society.
