Vegan diets have gained popularity in the past year, thanks to endorsements from talk show hosts Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey and several books, including Jonathan Saffran Foerís ěEating Animalsî and Kathy Frestonís ěThe Veganist.î
As part of the Great American Meatout, a nationwide event held in March, a local group will host a table with free vegan food Saturday in front of Tastebuds Coffee and Tea, 106 N. Main St., until 3:30 p.m.
Melissa Blount and other vegans will give away samples, as well as literature and coupons.
The Great American Meatout has been coordinated for 27 years by Farm Animal Rights Movement, a national nonprofit organization working to end the use of animals for food. Vegan food includes no animal products.
Advocates say vegan diets are healthier and benefit the environment.