If you’ve recently adopted a plant-based lifestyle and now find yourself living in a rural or small-town area, you may be feeling a bit like a vegan Goldilocks – the options just aren’t right.
But never fear! While it may take a little more effort to navigate the world of vegan dining in a place where most restaurants serve fried chicken and the nearest Whole Foods is an hour away, it’s not impossible. In fact, with a little creativity and some insider knowledge, you may find that the vegan scene in your small town is more buzzing than you thought.
The Vegan Challenge in Rural and Small-Town Settings
When it comes to living the vegan life in a rural or small-town area, there are a few unique challenges to be aware of:
- Limited availability of specialty vegan products, such as plant-based meats, dairy alternatives, and ethnic ingredients
- Lack of vegan-friendly restaurants and eateries, meaning you may need to get creative with your meal planning
- Perception of a “limited” food landscape, which can make embracing the vegan lifestyle feel even more daunting
But don’t let these challenges deter you! With a positive mindset, you can overcome them and enjoy all the delicious plant-based eats your small town has to offer.
Adopting a Positive Mindset
To succeed as a vegan in a rural or small-town area, you need to adopt a resourceful and adventurous approach.
Connect with the local community, attend farmers’ markets and produce stands, and join any vegan or plant-based groups that may exist. Be open to trying new things, and don’t be afraid to ask questions – you never know who in your community may be able to help you out.
Embrace the diversity of plant-based options and get creative in the kitchen. You may be surprised by just how many delicious vegan meals you can make with the ingredients you have on hand.
Scouting for Vegan-Friendly Gems
In small towns and rural areas, vegan-friendly establishments may not be as easy to come by, but they are out there if you know where to look. Here are some tips for discovering hidden gems in your area:
- Tap into local resources, such as:
- Farmers’ markets and produce stands, where you may be able to find fresh fruits and vegetables, locally made plant-based products, and more
- Community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, which allow you to purchase a share in a local farm and receive regular deliveries of seasonal produce
- Specialty health food stores and co-ops, which often carry a wide range of vegan products
- Be open to trying unexpected menu items at non-vegan establishments, such as vegetarian sushi at a Japanese restaurant or a vegan pizza at a pizzeria
- Connect with local vegan enthusiasts, who may be able to recommend vegan-friendly cafes, restaurants, and other establishments
Mastering the Art of Vegan Home Cooking
In a small town or rural area, you may find that you spend a lot of time cooking at home – and that’s not a bad thing! Embrace the opportunity to hone your vegan cooking skills by:
- Leveraging seasonal produce. Look for locally grown fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets, produce stands, and CSAs, and plan your meals around what’s in season
- Stocking a vegan pantry. Be sure to have staple items like beans, lentils, pasta, rice, canned tomatoes, and nut butters on hand. You may also want to invest in a few specialty ingredients, like nutritional yeast and vegan protein powder, to add variety to your meals
- Meal prepping and batch cooking. These techniques can help you save time and money by cooking larger quantities of food at once, and then freezing portions for later
Navigating Social Situations and Dining Out
As a vegan, you will undoubtedly find yourself in social situations where food is involved – and sometimes, there won’t be many (or any) vegan options. Here are some tips for navigating these situations with grace and confidence:
- Be proactive and communicate your dietary needs to the host or hostess ahead of time. Politely suggest bringing a vegan dish to share, or offer to bring one yourself
- Build relationships with local establishments, such as restaurants and caterers, and let them know you’re a vegan. They may be more willing to accommodate you in the future
- When dining out, do your research ahead of time. Look up vegan-friendly restaurants in the area, and consider calling ahead to ask about menu options. If there aren’t any vegan-friendly restaurants nearby, don’t be afraid to get creative. Can the restaurant make a vegetarian pizza with vegan cheese? Can they serve you a side of steamed vegetables instead of fries? Remember, it’s okay to ask for modifications to the menu
And if all else fails? Learn the art of the “vegan hack.” This could involve ordering a salad and bringing your own dressing, asking for a bun instead of a lettuce wrap, or even sneaking in some vegan protein powder into a smoothie at a non-vegan café.
Fostering a Vegan Community in Rural and Small-Town Areas
While there may not be a huge vegan community in your small town or rural area yet, that doesn’t mean it can’t exist. To help grow the vegan scene in your area, consider:
- Connecting with like-minded individuals. Join any local vegan or plant-based groups you can find, and consider starting your own if there isn’t one already. Organize regular meetings, potlucks, and other community events to bring vegans together
- Advocating for vegan-friendly initiatives. Collaborate with local businesses to offer vegan options, and encourage establishments to expand their menus. Share your vegan journey with others and help spread the word about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle
As a vegan in a rural or small-town area, you may face some unique challenges, but with a positive attitude, a willingness to adapt, and a little bit of creativity, you can conquer them all. And who knows? You might just find that being a vegan in a small town is one of the most rewarding experiences of all.