Alicia Silverstone To Speak at VegFest!
Back by popular demand, Alicia Silverstone is returning to VegFest in celebration of our 20th annual event! She will be speaking and signing books following her presentation. The actress and author of The Kind Diet and The Kind Mama , was recently honored by Mercy For Animals at the Annual Hidden Heroes Gala for her lifelong work and also recently spoke on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert about veganism.

VegFest is set for Sunday, April 28, 2019, and we are working hard to make it our biggest and best ever! We have doubled the hall space, widened the aisles, and added seating to give attendees plenty of room to enjoy the event. We are also adding brand new attractions! Stay tuned as we roll out our entire lineup of speakers, restaurants, cooking demos, and other fun activities over the next few months.

Get your tickets early and save. Purchase Tickets Here for only $12.50 in advance (plus a small Eventbrite processing fee) or $17 at the door. You can also become a VegMichigan Member and get into VegFest for free while enjoying other great benefits! 

Note to Vendors : Check your inbox January 7th for registration details.
Dinner Clubs This Month
To join us for one of our many monthly dining outings, simply click on the listing below for more information and RSVP. All are welcome so please bring your non-vegan friends!
Sunday, January 6, 6pm - 8:30pm

Thursday, January 10, 6pm - 8pm

Sunday, January 13, 11am

Thursday, January 17, 6pm

Wednesday, January 30, 6:30pm
For details specific to dinner clubs in your area, join one of our many region-specific VegMichigan Meetup groups in Ann Arbor , Flint , Greater Lansing , and Metro Detroit .
Second Seating for Dr. Kahn Talk Now Available
Tuesday, January 22nd, 7pm - 8:30pm
Northville District Library
212 W Cady St., Northville
We are excited to announce the seating for Dr. Joel Kahn's presentation at the Northville District Lib rary on January 15th sold out with 50 registrations from library patrons, allowing us to reach many non-vegans with information on the benefits of going plant-based. Due to the overwhelming interest in this event, we've added a second date. Join us for the second seating on January 22nd at the Northville District Library. Dr. Joel Kahn will present the science of why a healthy plant-based diet provides all of the nutrition needed to live a healthy and active lifestyle during all stages of life.
To register, you must contact the library directly at:
(248) 349-3020 ext. 235 or

Vegan Brunch @ The Old Shillelagh
Join VegMichigan at The Old Shillelagh in downtown Detroit on Sunday, January 13th at 11 am for the unveiling of their new vegan brunch menu including Biscuits and Walnut Sausage Gravy, Breakfast Tacos, Maple French Toast topped with Strawberries, and many other great options! You can also order from their already famous vegan lunch menu.

As always, we will have a great time and will be raffling off great prizes! The only cost is the cost of your food and drink(s). Please RSVP today by contacting tom@vegmichigan.org , we would love to see you there! 
Veganism Becoming More Popular in Michigan
Michigan State University School of Journalism student, Jacob Vogel, recently wrote an article on the growing popularity of vegan eating right here in the state of Michigan. His article covers the many reasons Michiganders are turning to vegan food and features leaders in the movement to grow veganism in Michigan, including, Dr. Joel Kahn and VegMichigan's own, Tom Progar! Read the full article  here .
Help Wanted
VegMichigan continues to expand and is looking for an experienced marketing professional to join our team. If you're passionate about the vegan movement and have a background in marketing, we need your help! To view the full Director of Marketing job description and find out how to apply, click  here.
Going Vegan in January
For many of us, January is a time of New Year's resolutions, setting new goals and reflecting on how we can become our best selves. For an increasing number of people, that includes considering the switch to a vegan diet or gradually incorporating more plant-based foods into our lives. January is the perfect month to reset our health and be more compassionate and sustainable in the process!

Resources abound for those looking to transition to a plant-based diet, including the popular Veganuary pledge, which inspires people to go vegan in January and continue throughout the year. The new TryVeg podcast addresses vegan families, and includes topics like packing healthy and nutritious vegan lunches for kids. See this article for more great reasons to go vegan and be sure to check out our online Resources page for local contacts who can help you navigate the transition.
2018: Another Huge Year for Vegan Athletes
Plant-based athletes, including decorated tennis star and recent Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion, Novak Djokovic , had another banner year in 2018! Many credit their performance, energy, and part of their success to following a plant-based diet rich in plant proteins and fruits and veggies. Check out this latest article highlighting other vegan athletes who continue to shine in their sports.
Vegan News Headlines
Recipe of the Month
Healthy Triple Layer Smoothie

Ingredients:
3 cups banana chunks, frozen
1 20-oz. can pineapple chunks, juice reserved
1/2 cup kale or spinach leaves
1/2 cup raspberries
1 cup blueberries

Directions:
  • Add 1 cup of the frozen banana chunks and 1 cup of the pineapple chunks to a blender and blend until smooth. Divide evenly among 3 glasses.
  • Blend together another cup of the frozen banana chunks, 1/2 cup of the pineapple chunks, and the kale or spinach. Add some pineapple juice, if needed, to thin out. Carefully add to the glasses, trying not to mix the colors.
  • Blend together the remaining cup of frozen banana chunks with the raspberries and blueberries. Add some pineapple juice, if needed. Carefully pour into the glasses and serve immediately.
Makes 3 servings
VegMichigan is proud to have accomplished so much for the plant-based movement in 2018 with your help! Look out for our Year-In-Review update coming to your inbox soon.
VegMichigan is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization focused on promoting the health, environmental, and ethical benefits of a vegan diet. We work to educate the public by offering a wide range of activities for learning and socializing.