Bethesda Temple and the annual Black Family Health and Wellness Fair, held at North High School in Omaha, Nebraska, brought the community together in a fresh and flavorful way by hosting a vegan tasting party featuring a variety of free plant-based meals. Pat Frampton, Community Services secretary and Darlene Brown, Health Services secretary at Bethesda Temple, did a fantastic job of organizing this innovative event which fed over 100 people.
The event welcomed families, friends and neighbors to sample healthy vegan dishes prepared by church volunteers who wanted to show that nutritious food can also be delicious and satisfying. A designated area in the school’s auditorium was set up with beautifully decorated tables with an appetizer platter with several cheeses, dried fruit and different crackers, all vegan, and with delicious samples of foods such as hearty meatloaf, baked beans, nachos, fried tofu, delicious broccoli, corn bread and dairy-free desserts. The guests also enjoyed several specialty non-alcoholic drinks.
Guests had the chance to ask questions about ingredients and learn simple ways to add more plant-based meals to their daily lives.
Church leaders said the tasting party was designed to support the message of the annual Black Family Health and Wellness Fair which cares for the body through better food choices, wellness education, and community support.
Many attendees said they were surprised by how flavorful and filling the vegan meals were. Some came out of curiosity, while others were already interested in healthier eating habits. By the end of the event, the tasting area had become one of the fair’s most popular attractions, with guests returning for second samples and taking home ideas for meals they could prepare themselves.
Because of the success and interest of the vegan tasting party, Bethesda Temple will be hosting a vegan cooking class in a few months to continue the process of educating our church family and the community on the value of a vegan diet.
The church’s vegan tasting party was more than just a food event. It was a celebration of health, hospitality and community. Through free meal samples and friendly conversation, the church helped make the yearly health fair both enjoyable and inspiring for everyone who attended.
Georgette Terrill is communication secretary for the Bethesda Temple in Omaha, Nebraska.
