Once again, we had a very successful year of Plant-Powered PSU! The second annual Plant-Powered PSU was held on November 14 from 5:30-8:30 pm at St. Pauls United Methodist Church, again hosted as a collaboration with Kathleen Raupach’s Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management class.
The goal of the event was to provide guests with the opportunity to sample a variety of plant-based foods and learn about the benefits of eating a diet consisting of more plant-based foods.
Free food samples and activities were available throughout the entire event. Plant-based foods to taste included a range of options, such as plant-based meat alternatives, veggie pasta and salads, and traditionally plant-based Indian cuisine. We would like to thank Gita Nagari Eco Farm who served a variety of Indian foods and desserts. Ranging from veggie meatballs made out of chickpea flour, to chili, chocolate desserts, and cakes, Gita Nagari shared an incredible range of plant-based foods that were all so delicious!
What exactly is a plant-based diet and why should you try it? A plant-based diet is eating foods that are from plants, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Decreasing meat consumption and animal products can decrease the risk of heart disease, many types of cancer, obesity and high cholesterol. You do not have to eat meat to have a good source of protein in which plant-based diets provide the same if not more sources of protein that are whole and nutrient-dense. It also supports good gut health and can improve your skin.
Plant-based diets also benefit our environment as diets heavy in meat, dairy and animal products require a high carbon and water footprint. These contributions are direct contributors to climate change, land degradation and can negatively affect our food and air systems which consequently affects our health.
Plant-rich diets are a top-five solution for reducing carbon emissions, according to Project Drawdown, which aims to clarify a positive, solutions-oriented path ahead for action on climate change. “Plant Powered PSU” was a great opportunity to learn more about the environmental benefits of plant-based diets, as well as their potential impacts.
We hope that everyone enjoyed the delicious foods at the event and learned more about the benefits of plant-based foods and their impacts on our health and environment!
Plant Based Foods is a very approachable and easy way of eating clean, nutritious ingredients from farm to table. We have included below a recipe card of how to make delicious oven roasted root vegetables and squashes so you can try plant based foods at your home too!
