Don’t miss this year’s Vegan Day Out

BY CHARLOTTE GRIEVE

Increasing demand for meat in Australia has been met with a sharp decline in the number of meat producers. This trend has seen the rise of factory farming throughout the animal agriculture industry that has been accused of widespread mistreatment of animals.

The Cruelty Free shop has become the pioneer of Australia’s vegan movement determined to change this pattern of food consumption. Owner Jess Bailey launched the business 15 years ago and now has stores across Australia.

“People are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental and health benefits of reducing meat consumption,” said Ms Bailey.

This Saturday September 17, they are hosting the fifth annual ‘Vegan Day Out’ food festival in Glebe. The public has been invited to visit the Cruelty Free Store to collect a walking map highlighting free and discounted vegan deals from local stores.

While affordability has been a key concern for those hesitant to make the switch to vegan food, manager Huw Watson says this is because up until now, stock had been imported from overseas.

“The American and European vegan markets grew first so Australia has been playing catch up,” he said. “But now a lot of Australian produce is popping up which is cheaper and really great quality.”

Each year the event has been held more and more people are taking to the streets to throw their support behind the vegan movement.

“In 2013 over 800 people braved heavy rain to join the Vegan Day Out,” Ms Bailey said. “By 2015 we were welcoming more than 2,500 people through our doors and we are expecting that number to rise dramatically this year.”

As well as being the nation’s largest purveyor of vegan products, The Cruelty Free Shop also engages in political activism and fundraising for animal welfare oriented charities.

“You’ll always see us at the rallies, we’re always there,” said Mr Watson.