Thank You to Our Generous Raffle Donors!

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Jami S

We’re thrilled to acknowledge the amazing brands and organizations that have generously donated to the Rochester VegFest 2024 raffle. Their contributions not only add excitement to our event but also help us keep VegFest free and accessible to all. You can get your raffle ticket at the event on August 24th at Parcel 5 for a suggested $3+ donation. Here’s a little bit about each donor and what they’ve contributed to make our raffle truly special:

Abundance Food Co-op

Abundance Food Co-op, Rochester’s only food cooperative, has graciously donated a $200 gift card. Located in the South Wedge, Abundance is dedicated to offering local, organic, and sustainable products that benefit both people and the planet. This gift card is a perfect way to explore their wide range of healthy, delicious groceries and support a community-focused business.

Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s has contributed a bag of their plant-based snacks to our raffle, giving you the chance to enjoy a variety of tasty treats. Known for their unique selection and friendly atmosphere, Trader Joe’s is a favorite among those who love discovering new and interesting foods. This snack bag is sure to delight any lucky winner!

Marilla’s Mindful Supplies

Marilla’s Mindful Supplies has donated a beautiful basket of sustainable home essentials. This local shop is committed to providing eco-friendly products that help reduce waste and promote a more mindful lifestyle. From reusable kitchen items to all-natural cleaning products, this basket is filled with practical and thoughtful items that align with Marilla’s mission of sustainability.

Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary

Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary has generously donated a basket of goodies for our raffle. This wonderful organization provides a safe haven for rescued farm animals and advocates for a cruelty-free lifestyle. Their donation is a reflection of their dedication to compassion and kindness, both for animals and for our community.

Sweet Pea Plant-Based Kitchen

Sweet Pea Plant-Based Kitchen has contributed a $100 gift card, offering the winner a chance to enjoy their deliciously nutritious whole food plant-based meals. Sweet Pea is all about making healthy eating easy and accessible, with a menu full of flavorful, plant-powered dishes. This gift card is a fantastic way to discover new favorites.

Wegmans

Wegmans has donated a $200 gift card, perfect for stocking up on groceries, home goods, or anything else you might need. As one of the region’s most beloved grocery stores, Wegmans is known for its commitment to quality, customer service, and community support. With a growing lineup of plant-based offerings, this generous gift card is a great way to explore new products that fit your lifestyle.

PharmFlint

Posted on May 19, 2024 by Jami S

Introducing PharmFlint, a first-time VegFest vendor from Binghamton, NY! Discover their 100% plant-based health & beauty products, from soothing soaps to rejuvenating sugar scrubs and nourishing body butters. Grab some samples and explore their array of other all-natural products, including floral sprays, sea moss & sea moss gel, and loose tea blends.

Dr. Milton Mills’ talk

Posted on October 4, 2020 by RocVegFest_Admin

Dr. Milton Mills

Here is the terrific talk (part 1 | part 2) on The Impact of Historic Racial Bias on the Health Profiles of Communities of Color from Dr. Milton Mills given October 1st, sponsored by Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute and the Rochester Area Vegan Society.

Dr. Michael Greger’s talk

Posted on October 2, 2020 by RocVegFest_Admin

Here is the wonderful talk (part 1 | part 2) on How Not to Diet: The Groundbreaking Science of Healthy, Permanent Weight Loss from Dr. Michael Greger of Nutrition Facts given September 24th, sponsored by Rochester Lifestyle Medicine.

Dr. Neal Barnard’s talk

Posted on October 2, 2020 by RocVegFest_Admin

Here is the terrific talk on Your Body in Balance from Dr. Neal Barnard of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine given September 17th, sponsored by Rochester Lifestyle Medicine and the Jewish Community Center.

Dr. Milton Mills

Posted on September 30, 2020 by RocVegFest_Admin

Dr. Milton Mills

A past speaker at Rochester VegFest, Milton Mills, MD will be returning to Rochester—via Zoom—to give the ground-breaking lecture he premiered at Vegan Summerfest 2019, a talk which has become even more urgent in the light of current events.

WHAT: Milton Mills, MD will speak on The Impact of Historical Racial Bias on the Health Profiles of Communities of Color

WHEN: Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 7:00 PM
WHERE: By Zoom
COST: Free, with suggested donation. Sign up here

Milton Mills, MD is a Black physician who has worked with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine to redress racial inequities in dietary recommendations. Dr. Mills is an intensivist (critical care/ICU) physician, actively practicing in the Washington, DC area. He speaks on a wide variety of topics, including the microbiome, the connection between diet and cancer, human anatomy and plant-based diet, and what the Bible has to say about diet, as well as connections between the civil rights movement and veganism. Dr. Mills’s discussion of the legacy of racism and its impact on the health of communities of color is not to be missed!

This event is co-sponsored by Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute and the Rochester Area Vegan Society.

Dr. Chris Hirschler

Posted on August 28, 2019 by RocVegFest_Admin

SPEAKING SEPTEMBER 14th, 11 am AT ROCHESTER VEGFEST!

Chris Hirschler is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Health and Physical Education at Monmouth University. Chris founded Plants for Peace at Monmouth University, directs faculty-led programs in Guatemala and Costa Rica, produces YouTube videos, blogs for One Green Planet, and he has been published in Society and Animals (2011), Inside Higher Ed, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and ICAN: Infant, Child, & Adolescent Nutrition (2014). Chris is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist, athlete, and frequent national and international conference presenter.

The Dimensions of Wellness:
Lessons from a 20-year vegan journey

Dr. Chris Hirschler, Associate professor and chair of Monmouth University’s Health and Physical Education department discusses the Six Dimensions of Wellness in the context of a 20-year personal and professional vegan journey.

Tim Kaufman

Posted on August 15, 2019 by RocVegFest_Admin

SPEAKING SEPTEMBER 14th, 2 pm AT ROCHESTER VEGFEST!

Tim Kaufman was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) in his early twenties. He was in chronic pain most of his life. By the time he had reached the age of 37 he was addicted to fentanyl, alcohol, and fast food. At over 400 pounds he was unable to perform simple daily tasks. He had many chronic health issues and was almost immobile. He had lost his interest in life and had almost given up. Tim started a journey to regain his health. He started to change one small thing at a time. He is now an athlete that thrives on a plant-based whole food lifestyle and leads a healthy, happy, productive, and very active life that is free of all medications he was once on. His passion is to spread the message that anyone can transition to a healthy, active lifestyle and dramatically change their life regardless of their current situation or size.

Tim has appeared on podcasts from around the world and has been filmed for upcoming movies. He has been featured in Runners World Magazine, Good Morning America, Today, People, The Buffalo Newspaper, and many other media outlets.

Tim uses his platform as an international speaker to educate, inform and motivate people about plant-based nutrition, fitness, addiction recovery, overcoming physical challenges, and emotional and spiritual wellness.

Find him at “Fat Man Rants” and Fat Man Foods

Finding the Road to Health and Wellness

Tim will be sharing his journey as he lost 200 pounds and gained his health back through a whole food plant-based lifestyle and the challenges he faced during the journey.