Alyssa VanPelt-Cathcart, Staff Writer
On Thursday, Nov. 7, the Edgy Veggie Society hosted an alternative Thanksgiving event for vegans and vegetarians on campus. The Edgy Veggie Society is a SUNY Oneonta club that works to introduce food alternatives for those who are vegan or vegetarian but are welcoming to anyone who’s curious to try new things.
Their Thanksgiving event served pumpkin soup, harvest salad, and a sweet potato casserole. All the food at their Thanksgiving event was catered for by Green Earth, a local Oneonta business that lives by “act locally, think globally.” According to Green Earth’s mission statement, “Our mission is to empower individuals and families to live healthier, happier lives by providing access to high-quality, nutritious, and sustainable food options. As a family-owned health food store, we are committed to promoting well-being through education, community engagement, and personalized service, while supporting local farmers and suppliers. With a focus on integrity, transparency, and affordability, we strive to be a trusted partner in our customers’ journey towards optimal health and vitality.” Brittney Rhodes, the president of the Edgy Veggie Society, said the meal provided for their alternative Thanksgiving dinner is not on the standard menu at Green Earth and said they were wonderfully accommodating and willing to create a delicious meal.
Rhodes has been with the club for two years and has served as an E-Board member for a year now. Rhodes is also an Environmental Sustainability major in her senior year. She originally joined because she’s vegan and wanted to meet people with common interests. According to Rhodes, the Edgy Veggie Society are people who talk about plant-based diets, healthy eating, and are introduced to new kinds of foods. The club advocates for more vegan & vegetarian options within the SUNY Oneonta dining halls as well as provide resources for those seeking them.
Megan Schumacher, the Edgy Veggie Society’s secretary, is a new member of the E-Board and has been with the club for a year. She’s a vegetarian and loves to try new foods. Additionally, like with Rhodes, she wanted to meet more like-minded people. Schumacher shares that this is also an excellent way to hear about places that sell food alternatives. More members of their E-Board include their treasurer Briar Rodriguez and their public relations Jillian Gaudio.
There is no judgment for choosing to go on a vegan or vegetarian diet. What matters the most to the Edgy Veggie Society is the creation of a community where you can eat what you like and explore further alternatives. The Edgy Veggie Society meets the first Thursday of every month in Fitzelle in the early evening. Rhodes shares that the club would love to have more people visit, even if they are not vegan or vegetarian. To learn more about the Edgy Veggie Society visit Campus Connection or the Corq App.
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