VegFest413 Returns to Springfield
Springfield, Mass. - Pizza, burgers, desserts and pasta are surprisingly healthy options when they’re part of VegFest413.
The vegan food festival returns for the third year on April 10 with more than 20 vendors. The event is dedicated to bringing awareness to the number of plant-based food options and services around Springfield.
Despite Springfield being a food desert, co-founder Justin Yarde said that there are options once people know where to look.
“We want to bring not only awareness but access to foods that are plant-based in the Springfield area,” he said.
As awareness grows for VegFest413, it also boosts those businesses who offer vegan, vegetarian and plant-based options.
“This has been our goal, to not only bring the awareness, but to tackle the issues and work collaboratively with others in the area who have the same goals,” Yarde said.
The three VegFest413 co-founders are also vendors and know firsthand the challenges faced by these businesses. While vendors might attend general events that aren’t plant-focused, those options aren’t always profitable.
“As a plant-based vendor, we don’t normally have that many outlets,” said co-founder Lamont Stuckey. “We created this event so that it was a better outcome for the vendors or anybody selling anything.”
VegFest413 helps them target a specific audience but also welcomes anyone curious about or considering a healthier lifestyle.
Not Just for Vegans
Co-founder India Russell believes that those who don’t consider themselves vegan or vegetarian can find something to enjoy at VegFest413.
“I think that people are curious about plant-based or vegan lifestyles,” Russell said. “Most people when they think about plant-based, vegan or healthy, they think just about salads and smoothies. When they come to our event they see an array of stuff: desserts, burgers, chicken. Everything that is familiar to the eye for eating, but it’s vegan.”
Trying these foods, she said, they might discover the variety of plant-based options.
“Then they’re excited to be a part of our community,” she added.
From a personal perspective, Stuckey found that switching to a plant-based diet has given him more energy, great skin and a consistent weight. Russell said that by introducing this into your daily diet can help overall health.
“It’s the easiest way you can fill your body healthy naturally,” she said.
Stuckey and Russell are caterers and owners of Everythang Sauce, and know VegFest413 is a perfect opportunity both for vendors to showcase their options and for residents to learn about the variety of choices. With Springfield being a food desert, there are sometimes challenges just finding any food much less heathy food. Events like VegFest413 help locals identify dining and service options that help them live a healthy lifestyle.
“Even though it’s a food desert, there are people here advocating and helping those who are trying to transition to find alternatives that are plant-based,” said Stuckey.
What to Expect at VegFest413
VegFest413 will be held indoors at the Boys and Girls Club Family Center (100 Acorn Street) from 12 to 5:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the event or online in advance for a discount. There will be speakers and workshops for attendees plus face painting for children, who can attend VegFest413 for free.
The first VegFest413 in January 2020 had more than 450 attendees, then was temporarily replaced by the VegFest Block Party last August with roughly 600 people attending. Stuckey believes the boost comes from building awareness through things like the Standout Truck and articles on the website. They’re hopeful that this year the number will reach 900.
Some of the food vendors attending the event are Auntie Cathie’s Kitchen, natural food store Bumpy’s, Amazing Ackee and Vegan Pizza Land. Services include Direct Your Purpose, African Diaspora Mental Health Association and KG Virtual CFO.
During the event, Springfield’s pioneer of natural plant-based eating will be remembered. Zephrin Mongroo, who owned Garden of Eat’n Café and Holistic Wellness Center, passed away in January but his impact is evidenced by the growth of events like VegFest413 and the number of food options becoming more available.
Tickets are available at vegfest413.com.
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