Become A Member & Get Into VegFest Free
Excitement is building as we prepare for our largest event in VegMichigan's history, the 20th annual VegFest on April 28, 2019 ! In case you missed it, The Detroit News recently featured an article on VegFest, highlighting the many speakers and activities we have planned . We're excited to host more than 150 vendors, including your favorite local restaurants and cruelty-free products. In addition to Hollywood celeb Alicia Silverstone, we have New York Times best-selling author Dr. Michael Greger, Dr. Elizibeth Swenor, D.O. Henry Ford Hospital, Dr. Robert Breakey M.D., and Dan McKernan of Barn Sanctuary scheduled to speak. We continue to add great vendors everyday so be sure to check out our VegFest page for details and to begin planning your day!

Would you like to get into VegFest for FREE? Become a Member! If you're excited about the work we're doing to spread t he vegan movement throughout Michigan, we hope you'll become a member. As a member, you'll get free entry to VegFest (no ticket needed!) and will enjoy a one-year subscription to VegNews magazine. To join or renew, click HERE.
We Need Your Help Promoting VegFest
VegFest is a life-changing event for many attendees. Please invite friends and family to VegFest and share one of our social media posts.

Volunteers Needed
Our volunteers are the key to a successful VegFest. Consider asking a friend and volunteering together. All volunteers will receive a free lunch, free parking, and can enjoy VegFest before or after your shift. If you're interested in helping out for a few hours, please contact   melissa@vegmichigan.org . 
VegFest Sponsor Spotlight
If you're looking for a Michigan-based market to make your vegan grocery, vitamin, and bath and body purchases easier, then look no further than Better Health Stores , an independently-owned natural food chain with a focus on making it easier for customers to lead healthier lives. Known for its vast array of vitamins, nutritional supplements, natural and organic foods, many Better Health Stores also stock vegan brands, including Follow Your Heart, Upton's Naturals, Tofurky, Gardein, Field Roast, Amy's Kitchen, Daiya, Radical Plants Superdips, Beyond Burger and Beyond Sausage, and more. Be sure to check out Better Health's convenient prepared food offerings, which include vegan pasta salad, coleslaw, and the Impossible Burger.

Vegan Mardi Gras Fun in Downtown Detroit!
Thanks to everyone who joined us to celebrate Mardi Gras! A special thanks to Old Shillelagh for putting together a fabulous Mardi Gras themed dinner and cocktail menu complete with vegan paczki! Guests dined on vegan jambalaya and fried oyster mushroom po’boys while enjoying New Orleans style jazz complete with Old Shillelagh’s very own Hurricane cocktail. Guests also enjoyed face painting and a photo booth by Joe Maroon Photography.
VegMichigan Continues to Spread the Plant-Based Message to a Wider Audience
VegMichigan is devoting a lot of time and resources to introducing more people to the benefits of a plant-based diet including our free presentations consisting of a thought-provoking talk, free plant-based food sampling, helpful resources to take home, and follow-up. We have over 10 presentations planned in various cities. If you or someone you know is veg-curious and would be interested in attending one of our presentations, contact Melissa for more details at melissa@vegmichigan.org Our next presentation is on April 3rd at 6:30pm at Henry Ford Centennial Library in Dearborn.
Join Us For Dinner Around Town
To join us for one of our many monthly dining outings, simply click on the listing below for more information and details on how to RSVP. All are welcome so please bring your non-vegan friends!
Sunday, March 3, 6pm - 8:30pm

Wednesday, March 6, 6:30pm (See Story Below)

Thursday, March 14, 6pm - 8pm

Thursday, March 21, 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 .
Chef is Expanding Vegan Options Downriver,
Join Us at Big League Brews to Show Our Support!
Chef Tom Kaczmarek is becoming a hot topic for downriver vegans. He received his Master's Degree in Culinary Arts at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. "It's 2019, many of us are far more conscientious about the food we put on our plate. Where does it come from? What is it made of? I wanted to sort of lead the way." Chef Tom is creating vegan versions of familiar bar fare and everything is organic and made fresh from scratch. The 'chicken pretenders,' for example are made from organic vegetables served with his own signature vegan ranch dressing plus fresh nacho cheese made from cashews. Please join VegMichigan for a fun dinner club at Big League Brews on Wednesday, March 6th at 6:30pm . RSVP tom@vegmichigan.org .
Shimmy Shack Owner Making a Big Difference
Debra Levantrosser has played a big roll in the growing vegan movement in Metro Detroit. The popular Shimmy Shack food truck has been offering great tasting food for years. In addition, the Shimmy Shack Restaurant opened in February in Plymouth serving all of our favorite comfort foods 6 days a week for lunch and dinner.

In addition, starting on March 9th at 8:20 am, Debra will appear on a Fox 2 weekend morning segment focused on educating the public about plant-based eating and she will be discussing a variety of vegan topics with Fox 2 personality Charlie Langton. Please tune in and let the station know that you liked the segment. Contact Fox 2

Shimmy Shack Restaurant Hours
Monday - Thursday 10:30am – 8pm
Friday - Saturday 10:30am – 9pm
Sunday Closed for Private Parties
Enjoy Shimmy Shack favorites, including burgers, chili, nachos, "milk" shakes, and coneys!
Add Your Voice to Speak Up for Animals
Saturday, March 9, 12pm - 2pm
Ann Arbor

VegMichigan  and the  Humane Society of the United States  would like to invite you to an afternoon of food, friends, and community. One of the most powerful ways to make change for animals is to become involved in local and state politics. Sometimes involvement is as simple as writing to your elected officials and letting them know that animal welfare is one of your top priorities. You bring a dish and we’ll provide you with postcards and stamps. Molly Tamulevich,  Michigan State Director of HSUS , will give a brief talk on how you can lobby your legislators to improve the lives of animals in Michigan. For each adult attending, please bring a vegan dish (without meat, fish, eggs, dairy, honey or other animal products) to share that serves at least 8 people OR a $10 donation. For additional details and to register click here . We hope you'll join us for this activism opportunity!
Making Headlines: Farmers Turning to Veganism
Stories featuring livestock farmers who are having a change of heart are making national headlines. Check out this website to view these truly humane farmers and their stories. For more inspiration, check out this recent article from The Guardian on the science behind changing one's mind. And be sure to join us at VegFest on April 28th for a showing of filmmaker Allison Argo's documentary, The Last Pig, with a Q&A to follow. The Last Pig Trailer
Dr. Kahn's Health Corner
Many people do not want to take a prescription cholesterol medication like a statin but wonder how effective a plant diet can be for lowering serum LDL cholesterol levels. My integrative and preventive cardiology practice attracts patients who either have not tolerated prior medical therapies for elevated cholesterol levels or who choose alternatives to prescription medications. Read the rest of the article on Dr. Kahn's Blog.
Study: Eating Vegan is Most Effective Prevention Against Heart Disease
A study released in November by the Journal of the American Heart Association concluded that following a vegan diet is more effective than the low-sodium diets currently recommended by the American Heart Association. Vegan diets have previously been shown to reduce the risk of other chronic diseases, including t ype 2 diabetes ,  cancers , and  rheumatoid arthritis . Click on the links below to find out more. Read the Article See the Study
Vegan News Headlines
Easy Vegan Baking Hacks
Think baking a simple cake without eggs or dairy is time-consuming? Think again! Click on this new video from TryVeg.com , featuring three vegan cake recipes that all use easy-to-find and affordable boxed cake mixes.

Or if you prefer not to bake at all, check out these vegan Girl Scout cookies !
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.