By Rissa Miller, Senior Editor Vegetarian Journal

In my parents’ neighborhood, there is a regular breakfast/coffee for the ladies of the neighborhood. Most who attend are retired or over the age of 60 at least, with some women in the 30s-40s-50s coming at different times. There’s always coffee and tea with dairy and coconut-vegan creamer on the table, and folks take turns bringing muffins, etc. to share. It’s quite formal, with saucers and such. 

Last week I was surprised to discover I was not the only vegan in the group! I had encountered two vegetarians in the past few months, both women in their 30s. But these vegan ladies were NEW vegans, who were looking for resources. I was pleased to hand them a few copies of Vegetarian Journal, as well as local vegan guides I keep in my car from the York vegan advocates group in Pennsylvania. 

Though I have been vegan for 26 years, it never ceases to surprise me where I meet other vegans, and how the interest in veganism can appear out of nowhere, in the most unexpected of places. The 3 women who were new vegans were all over the age of 70. I see in action how it is critical never to count anyone out. And to always keep vegan advocacy materials on me!