A guest blog by Henry Patterson, CAA Board member and host of CAA’s Vegan Recipe Club
Henry with Sara Matanah at an in-person VRC Potluck
I’ve been hosting CAA’s Monthly Vegan Recipe Club since July 16, 2019. In that time we’ve explored recipes from almost 85 vegan cookbooks. As a group we’ve been trying and sharing our thoughts about the many vegan cookbooks and recipes. We meet over Zoom most of the year, but 2 or 3 times a year we meet in-person for a potluck sharing recipes from one of the cookbooks or a favorite recipe.
Every year we skip the Recipe Club meeting in December due to the pressure of the holidays. However we don’t want to leave you without support for a plant-based celebration. If you’re looking for vegan holiday recipes you should check out Vegan Holiday Kitchen by Nava Atlas. If you’re looking for a great vegan holiday dessert try Gaz Oakley’s Sticky Gingerbread Cake from his Plants Only Kitchen Cookbook, pg.207.
Common Challenges for Vegans at Holiday Meals
Being a vegan during the holiday season can be rough, challenging and sometimes isolating. So it is important to remember that being vegan is a journey, an exploration, not a race with a finish line.
Participants at VRC potluck
Traditional recipes rely on animal products: Many classic holiday dishes are made with meat, dairy, or eggs. Common culprits include butter in mashed potatoes and rolls, chicken stock in stuffing, milk in green bean casserole, and gelatin in cranberry sauce.
Lack of awareness from hosts: A host may not fully understand what a vegan diet entails, assuming that removing the meat from a dish is sufficient. They may overlook hidden animal products like beef broth or dairy in seemingly vegan side dishes.
Limited choices: At many potlucks or dinners, the only truly vegan options might be plain vegetables or a simple salad, leaving vegan guests with an unsatisfying meal. More likely the only items/dishes you can eat are those dishes you bring yourself.
Risk of cross-contamination: Shared serving utensils can contaminate vegan dishes with animal products. If a host is accommodating, it’s helpful to suggest they use separate utensils and keep vegan dishes in a separate area of the buffet.
Feeling excluded or singled out: Being the only vegan at a gathering can be isolating, especially when the conversation revolves around food you can’t eat. Some vegans also face insensitive questions or jokes about their diet from family members.
Ways to Overcome the Challenges
The following are some ways that vegan guests can take proactive steps to ensure they have an enjoyable and filling meal.
Communicate with the host, family and/or friends: A few weeks before the event, let the host (or family & friends) know you are vegan. This gives them time to plan and avoids any last-minute stress.
Share some of your favorite, simple, limited ingredient recipes with the host, and/or close friends.
Suggest ingredient lists for the dishes on the buffet: Suggest to the host that those bringing dishes should include an ingredient list for all of the common food allergens, and dietary restrictions.
The reality is that everyone can eat vegan food making it the perfect option for buffets because it removes the question-mark (can I? OR can’t I?) from literally every dish. Ensure it’s also entirely gluten-free, and nut-free and you will most certainly have food allergy friends for life!
Sample Format for Ingredient Lists
Dish Name: A clear, descriptive name (e.g., “Southwestern Pasta Salad”). Include ingredient list, list common allergens, mark
Allergen Status: Clearly state if the dish contains any of the “Big 9” major food allergens. You can also use abbreviations like:
N: Nuts (specify type, e.g., walnuts, almonds);
P: Peanuts
GF: Gluten-Free
D: Dairy
H: Honey
E: Eggs
S: Soybeans
F: Fish
SF: Shellfish
SE: Sesame
Vegan Status: Clearly mark “Vegan” if the dish contains no animal products, such as meat, dairy, eggs, fish, gelatin or honey. Labeling a dish “Vegetarian” is different and means it may still contain dairy or eggs.
Gaz Oakley – page 207 – Sticky Gingerbread Cake
Being vegan during the holidays can feel challenging at times, but it’s also an opportunity to get creative, share delicious plant-based dishes, and connect with friends and family around food that’s kind to animals, the planet, and your health. With a little planning, communication, and thoughtful labeling, you can ensure everyone at the table feels included—and that there’s plenty to enjoy.
Remember, veganism is a journey, not a race, and even small steps toward compassionate eating can make a big difference. We hope these tips and recipe ideas help you have a joyful, satisfying, and truly compassionate holiday season.
Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) is powered by kind, dedicated volunteers who help move our mission forward. This month, we are excited to shine the spotlight on Velma Wagner, who has been giving her time and heart to CAA for several years. Her work has supported a variety of programs. She likes “helping to make the world a better place,” Velma shared.
Getting Involved With CAA
Velma has been volunteering with CAA for several years. While she doesn’t remember exactly how she first discovered us, she was drawn to our mission and the chance to help others.
She has taken on a variety of roles, including helping set up the CAA booth at Twin Cities Pride, serving on the planning committee for Dr. Michael Greger’s presentation, and preparing and serving plant-based meals for residents at Simpson Housing. Her efforts help us reach more people and share compassion in our community.
Why Volunteering Matters
For Velma, the joy of giving back is what keeps her returning. “I like making a difference,” she explained. “That’s what I love most about volunteering.”
Her service extends well beyond CAA. She also volunteers with the American Red Cross and ushers at many local theaters, combining her passion for helping others with her love for the arts.
A Life Filled With Creativity, Activity, and Care
Outside of volunteering, Velma enjoys a vibrant and active life. She loves attending live theater, musicals, comedy shows, concerts, and dance performances. She also enjoys hiking, biking, singing, and reading.
After retiring early from her career as a psychologist, Velma found another joyful way to spend her time: dog sitting. “I adore it,” she said.
Living a Plant-Based Life
Velma has been eating plant-based since the 1980s, when she first followed a macrobiotic lifestyle. Today, she continues to thrive on a vegan diet. “I feel energetic, sleep well, and have no health issues, which I attribute to being vegan,” she shared.
Her passion for vegan living also reaches into her spiritual community. Velma founded a plant-based group at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis as part of the Environmental Justice Team, where she enjoys helping others discover joyful plant-based eating.
Thank You, Velma
We are deeply grateful for Velma Wagner’s compassion, dedication, and joyful spirit. Her volunteer work helps create a more compassionate Minnesota for people and animals. Thank you, Velma, for everything you do. We’re lucky to have you as part of the CAA family.
Inspired by Velma? Get Involved With CAA!
If Velma’s story inspires you, consider supporting our work by volunteering, donating, or exploring creative options like matching grants through your employer. Together, we’re creating a more compassionate world for animals, people, and our planet.
Past Volunteer Spotlights
Want to meet more of our amazing volunteers? Explore these past volunteer profiles:
Volunteers drive everything we accomplish. Last year, more than 280 volunteers donated over 6,263 hours of their time — more than $125,000 in value to CAA! They’ve also gained valuable advocacy skills, leadership experience, and lasting friendships in our community.
Our mission is to encourage people to embrace their empathy for farmed animals and move toward a plant-based diet. This drives our vision of a world where all animals, human and nonhuman, can thrive.
We grow our movement by welcoming people of all backgrounds. Through our programs, events, and activities, we create a powerful cycle of increasing awareness, building community, empowering advocates, and generating lasting change for farmed animals. This approach targets both individual and institutional change.
What kind of change do we create? Our programs reduce consumption of animal products, improve the lives of farmed animals, and benefit the well-being of all Minnesotans.
We developed this theory of change in 2017 through comprehensive community input, including an online stakeholder survey, two public town halls, and strategic planning sessions with staff, core volunteers, and board members.
Your Skills, Our Mission
Ready to turn your compassion into action? Join our community of change-makers! Explore our volunteer opportunities to find the perfect match for your interests and skills. From hands-on roles in food service, photography, and event coordination to strategic planning for Twin Cities Veg Fest and helping to manage our website, there’s a meaningful way for everyone to contribute.
The vegan holiday scene is more delicious than ever this year! From vegan dinners and plant-based meal kits to holiday pies and bakery treats, local restaurants and businesses are making it easy to celebrate with compassion and flavor. With 29% of Americans planning to include plant-based dishes on their Thanksgiving tables, there’s never been a better time to explore these amazing options.
Our Vegan Holiday Guide brings together some of the best local vegan specials for Thanksgiving and the rest of the winter holidays. Because this list is community-driven, we’d love your help keeping it up to date! If you know of additional vegan holiday options in Minnesota — especially in Greater Minnesota — please email us at info@caa.mn. And check back later for our updates!
With Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice, Kwanza and New Years all coming up, there will be lots of festivities lighting up this December – and you may appreciate some help with having vegan meal and desserts! We are in the process of updating our Thanksgiving information from our earlier blog to include vegan options for December holidays. It is a work in progress.
Note: At the point of this December update we have not yet heard about December holiday offerings from all of them yet. Check back later for updates. And if you know of any, please let us know.
Please note that some pre-order deadlines may have passed or items may be sold out, so check directly with each business for current availability. Together, we can make this season’s celebrations both joyful and kind!
The Block (Rogers)
The Block Food + Drink in Rogers, MN was open on Thanksgiving at 4 pm til close serving their regular menu which has some vegan options as well as more traditional Thanksgiving fare. It can be challenging to find a restaurant with sit-down meals on Thanksgiving which has vegan options and this more than fits the bill!
We have not yet heard an update on December holiday hours but check their website.
Chowgirls (Minneapolis)
Vegan Thanksgiving meal pick up options at Chowgirls included their Mushroom Fennel Bake, Organic Roasted Vegetables, Mashed Potatoes, Mushroom Gravy, Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potato Souffle, and Sourdough Stuffing. Finish out your meal with Apple Crumble and Coconut Whipped Cream, or add on fun cocktail mixers! Order by 5pm on Friday Nov. 21. Pick up or delivery on Wednesday Nov. 26. Customize your order by the dish, or get a discount by paying $575 for the Whole Feast (Vegan), which easily serves 8-10 guests. Get 10% off for a limited time using the code THANKS10.
We have not yet heard about any possible December holiday meals. Check back for updates here or contact them directly.
Crasqui (Saint Paul)
Check out the wonderful Venezuelan fusion restaurant Crasqui, in Saint Paul! Vegan holiday menu options include:
For your take-home Thanksgiving order from Crasqui, you were able to choose from Ratatouille, Quinoa and Cranberry Salad, Black Beans with Sofrito, and Vegan Mango and Cream Cake. Customize your order; costs $72/person. Pre-ordered meals ordered by Nov. 24 can be picked up Nov. 24-27 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 84 Wabasha St. S., St. Paul.
December holiday orders: Christmas Wild Rice, Apple Salad (request vegan style), Green Bean Casserole (request vegan style), and Dulce de Lechoza (a green papaya dessert). You can order Christmas dishes for pickup and pickup on the 23rd or 24th.
FakeMeats.com (Shipping)
Grocery stores in your area not very veg-friendly? Fake Meats offers a wide variety of wheat-, nut-, and soy-based vegan meats to round out your table with traditional flavors. Check out their “Holiday Roasts” section for turkey, ham, gravy, and stuffing options. Wednesday 11/19 is the order deadline to get your vegan roast delivered in time for Thursday the 27th.
As of December 5, they still list a vegan Holiday Roast on their website. Check with them for ordering deadlines and other details.
Food on the Fly (Minneapolis)
You may recognize Food on the Fly from the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge or Twin Cities Veg Fest! This fast-casual restaurant in downtown Minneapolis offers many vegan options, including their Thanksgiving package. They offered a Vegan Wild Rice Cranberry Roulade, Charred Root Vegetables with Thai Basil Chimichurri, Potato Terrine with Chili Oil Vinaigrette, and Shiitake Mushroom Gravy.
We have not yet heard about any possible December holiday meals. Check back for updates here or contact them directly.
The Front Porch Eatery (Underwood, Rothsay, Barnesville, Fergus Falls, Fargo/Moorhead)
The Front Porch’s delicious vegan Thanksgiving menu pick up menu included turk’y with gravy, rustic mashed potatoes, sage stuffing, roasted garlic green beans, maple butter carrots, cranberries with orange zest, and desserts by Peney Cakes. Extra add-ons included Baked Mac & Cashew Cheese, Traditional Green Bean Casserole, Pecan French Toast with Maple Syrup, or Pull Apart Bread with Garlic Herb & Maple Whipped Butters!
100% of profits went to support Anna Lake Animal Sanctuary. Delivery was available to Underwood, Rothsay, and Barnesville upon request. They had free pickup in Fergus Falls 11/26 12-5:30pm, or on 11/27 at Wal-Mart at 8:30am. OR $8 Pickup @ the Fargo/Moorhead Starbucks (906 Holiday Drive) at 10am 11/27. Check out the_front_porch_eatery on Instagram.
We have not yet heard about any possible December holiday meals. Check back for updates here or contact them directly.
Glam Dolls Donuts (Minneapolis)
For those celebrating Hanukkah you can get Sufganiyot (traditional jelly filled donuts) from Glam Dolls. The non vegan version is on the website but you can order the vegan version using their email.
Hark Cafe (Minneapolis)
While Hark’s storefront has sadly closed, they continue offering delicious celiac-safe, gluten-free, vegan pastry catering, custom orders… and holiday pies! For Thanksgiving you were able to choose from a variety of scratch-made pies: Apple-Cranberry, Pumpkin, or Pecan, and choose full 9” pies or mini 6” pies. For Thanksgiving you were asked to Pre-order by November 20 and pick up from 3425 Hwy 169N, Unit 2, on Wednesday November 26 from 12-4pm.
We have not yet heard about any possible December holiday meals. Check back for updates here or contact them directly.
Heal Mpls (Minneapolis)
Heal Mpls, now a plant-forward cafe, is back open at their Lyndale Ave location! This year, the plant-based Thanksgiving meal kits were back as well, with options including Fried Oyster Mushroom Kit, Big Mama Collards, Coconut Rasta Pasta, Cashew Mac & Cheese, and Chickpea Scram Bam. Desserts include Raw Cashew Strawberry Cheesecake, Pumpkin Pound Cake, and Purple Sweet Potato Pies. Drinks are sold by the jug, and include Hemp Mylk Horchata, Lavender Lemonade, and Hibiscus Ginger. $100 for a full pan, $60 for a half pan. For Thanksgiving you were asked to preorder by texting heal at 763-290-0170, and pick up the Tuesday the 25th or Wednesday the 26th at 4171 Lyndale Ave N. Learn more events @healmpls or healmpls.com.
We have not yet heard about any possible December holiday meals. Check back for updates here or contact them directly.
Herbivorous Butcher (Minneapolis, Shipping)
On Friday, November 14, the Herbivorous Butcher was back in business after their fire! And so was their Thanksgiving Turkey-Free Feast! The Thanksgiving pack is back again this year, with your choice of a 2.5lb stuffed turkey or two 1 pound turkeys, and includes mac sauce, brie, and smoked gouda. All of HB’s meats and cheese are 100% vegan and based on nuts, coconut, wheat, soy, and other plants. Pick up in Minneapolis November 20-26, or order for shipping the week of November 17. Herbivorous Butcher offers free domestic shipping to all 50 states.
The Winter Holiday Feast 2025 is back this December, offering festive plant-based comfort foods in two convenient options: shipping anywhere in the U.S. or local pick-up in Minneapolis. Each feast is handcrafted in small batches and features one of two centerpiece roasts—either a smoky Ham Roast or a rich, herby Porchetta—along with a collection of seasonal sides perfect for any celebration.
Both feast options include favorites like Hickory Bacon, White Cheddar Cheese Sauce, Summer Sausage, and the brand-new Honey Brie with Thyme, a soft and subtly sweet cheese that’s quickly becoming a holiday standout. Whether you’re planning a full holiday dinner, assembling a festive snack board, or looking to wow your guests with a beautiful vegan centerpiece, these feasts bring comfort and joy straight to your table.
The shipping feast arrives in an insulated box with ice packs to keep everything fresh, and customers can choose between two ship dates—December 8 or December 15—depending on when they want their food to arrive.
For locals, the pick-up feast is available exclusively at the Northeast Minneapolis shop from December 18–24, including special Christmas Eve hours. This option is ideal for anyone wanting freshly made items prepared right in Minneapolis.
The final deadline for Winter Holiday Packs is Friday, Dec 12th at 12PM CT. Use code LASTCHANCE20 to save $20 on orders $200+ through Sunday, Dec 14th.
Hex & Quill Bake Shop.
Local pop-up vegan bakery, Hex & Quill, has wonderful assortments of homemade holiday cookies by the half-dozen or dozen! The pack includes Hedgehog Cranberry Sugar Cookies, Panettone(-inspired) Cookies, Coquito Cookies, Smoked Cardamom Ginger Cookies, or more. Pickup from this cottage food bakery runs in the evenings 12/21-12/23, 4pm-8pm each day, in Saint Paul. Order by midnight on Tuesday 12/16.
The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar (Minneapolis)
The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar was open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Thanksgiving Day offering their usual vegan menu options, like Stuffed Potato Skins, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, burgers, salads, chicken sandwiches, and Chocolate Cake. Reservations required, and are filling fast.
We don’t yet have word on their holiday offerings and schedule for December holidays.
J. Selby’s (Saint Paul)
On Thanksgiving Day, J. Selby’s was open only 11-2 (or until supplies run out) for their traditional sliding scale Thanksgiving meal! People were able donate to support the sliding-scale option, or get a lower-priced or free meal when you need it! The J. Selby’s Thanksgiving meal typically features classic foods, like meat-free turk’y slices, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and other classics. . J. Selby’s is located just northeast of Summit & Lexington in St Paul. They are not open for their regular service hours on the Thanksgiving, and will not have their regular vegan menu available that day.
We do not yet know of any December holiday offerings.
Juice Pharm (Duluth)
Juice Pharm offered a Take & Bake Tater Tot Hotdish for Thanksgiving! Veggies, soy protein curls, savory plant-based cream, and a crisp tater tot topping, comes ready to heat in the oven! 100% plant-based & gluten free as always. Can be made soy-free upon request.
You were able to order takeout and pick up the day before Thanksgiving last month! They offered a delicious pumpkin pie in addition to their wonderful range of classic Ethiopian and American foods, from spiced Fava Bean Ful to burgers to Sambusa.
Lutunji’s Palate offers a vegan dessert menu with Peach Cobbler, Pecan Cobber, Apple Cobbler, Sweet Potato Pie, Lemon Pound Cake, Sour Cream Pound Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies… we could go on! They are advertising holiday catering. Check with them for details.
Mad Hare Vegan Pop-Up – Sat Dec 13 (Minneapolis)
Cranberry Brie Focaccia is a fresh focaccia base, topped with spiced honee cranberry relish, Herbivorous Butcher’s creamy brie, sea salt, and rosemary is actually a Christmas tradition in the Mad Hare family. Get yours at the Vegan Holiday Market! Saturday 12/13, 5pm-8pm at The Legacy Building, 4024 E 46th St in Minneapolis – part of the Vegan Eats & Arts Market.
Northern Lights Baking (Minneapolis)
Northern Lights Baking is an entirely vegan small cottage bakery, who have offered made-to-order seasonal fruit tarts, various pan loaves (cinnamon raisin, cranberry date pecan, sourdough rye, or other flavors!), cinnamon rolls, dinner rolls, roasted nuts, chocolate-coated marzipan, and more in the past. Check out Northern Lights Baking for more details, contact info, and pickup information. We have not yet heard anything specific regarding December holidays.
Pizza Luce (TC Metro and Duluth)
Pizza Luce’s seasonal autumn menu makes any day special! The seasonal menu includes a vegan White Rabbit Pizza topped with mushrooms, rapini, and onion, Roasted Beet Flatbread, and Autumn Harvest Salad. Available at all Pizza Lucé locations, these dishes are must-tries for pizza lovers. Find a location near you or order online.
If stores in your area aren’t offering compassionate choices, check out online vegan companies like Rebel Cheese, which you may know as Shark Tank’s quickest “yes!” ever. They have several holiday cheeseboards on offer, from the December Fromagier Cheese Box (featuring a port wine cheese ball, cave-aged brie, Norwegian gjetost, Fig & Walnut Fromage, Parmesan, and Truffle Chevre) to the Holiday Cheeseboard Classics (featuring an equally delicious selection!)
Reverie Cafe + Bar & Dreamstate Cafe (Minneapolis)
Reverie Cafe+Bar is offering more big tastes, with their take-and-bake meal kits for the Thanksgiving holiday. The Thanksgiving meal included Reverie’s housemade vegan Herb-Rubbed Turkey Roast with Portobello Gravy, Miso Braised Kale with Sweet and Savory Candied Pecans, Rosemary and Garlic Confit Mashed Potatoes with Fresh Chives, Roasted Delicata Squash with Dill and Mint Crema and Pistachio Crumble, and more.
Vegan options for take-home meals last Thanksgiving at the Seward Co-op included a Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Cornbread Stuffing, Mushroom Gravy, Horseradish Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry Sauce and Sweet Potato Rolls ($150, ~10lbs of food, serves three to six). Add on extra sides, Pumpkin Pies, or Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes. Pre-order through Nov. 21 for pick up on Nov. 26-27 from Seward Co-op Friendship Store (317 E. 38th St., Minneapolis) or Seward Co-op Franklin Store (2823 E. Franklin Ave, Minneapolis).
We have not yet heard details about any special Christmas offerings. Check with them for details.
Stanley’s NE Bar (NE Minneapolis)
Stanley’s NE Bar was open 11-4 on Thanksgiving Day. While a Thanksgiving special menu iwas served, it is sadly not vegan-friendly – but much of their regular menu options are, and were also be available! Grab Buffalo Cauliflower, salads, chicken sandwiches, or Hot Honey Bacon Sprouts, all vegan style. Make your reservation.
We have not yet heard of their hours or offerings for the winter holidays. Contact them directly for details.
Three Girls Vegan Creamery (Shipping)
Can’t make it to the in-person Minnesota shops? Three Girls Vegan Creamery, based in CT, ships their holiday foods nationwide. From lasagna to Brie en Croute to holiday roasts to Cannoli Dip, Three Girls Vegan Creamery has your gourmet holiday needs covered. Pre-order your goodies now.
Tried & True Confections
Tried & True Confections Pop-Ups – Sat Dec 13 & Sat Dec 20 (Minneapolis)
Local vegan bakery Tried & True Confections is carrying the day for vegan holiday events! On Saturday December 13, 11am-3pm, they’re popping up at Tropes & Trifles in South Minneapolis with a holiday menu including their Hot Cocoa Sandwich Cookie and Coquito Lunchbox Cake.
On Saturday December 20, 1pm-3pm, Tried & True arrives at Ethique Nouveau with a similar holiday menu! This time, they’re popping up selling delicious baked goods alongside Minou Le Mew who will be selling holiday-themed catnip toys. Stop by to grab some gifts from Minou Le Mew and Ethique Nouveau, and some sweet treats for the weekend. (P.S. All Tried & True Confections are 100% gluten-free, making them a safe and delicious option for those with sensitivities or Celiac Disease.)
Vegan Nogs – (at grocery stores near you)
For those of us who have been vegan for decades, the abundance of prepared vegan foods now available can feel like a dream! Case in point: vegan eggnog. Check out the Califia Farms Holiday Nog at Cub Foods or the oat milk O’Nog from Trader Joe’s – or take a gander at the grocery shelves nearest you.
Whole Foods Co-Op (Duluth)
Offering ready-to-go vegan plates, sides, and breads Whole Foods Co-op is your Duluth go-to! Each plate ($18.99/ea) includes a Garden Harvest Loaf with Wild Mushroom Gravy, Maple Pecan Yams, Wild Rice Pilaf, Green Beans, and Cranberry Chutney. (As a note for anyone with sensitivities: the plate is also free of wheat ingredients.) Stock up on additional plant-based sides – offerings include Mushroom Gravy, Cranberry Chutney, Maple Pecan Yams, Cranberry Wild Rice Loaf, Sourdough Loaf, and more. Pre-order online and pick up November 25-27 from the Denfeld Whole Foods Coop (4426 Grand Ave Duluth, MN 55807) or Hillside Whole Foods Coop (610 E 4th Street Duluth, MN 55805).
Whole Foods Market (TC Metro)
Shop for a variety of holiday roasts and other groceries at Whole Foods Market, with various locations around the Twin Cities, or pick up from their catering area for take-home, heat-and-serve holiday meals. Their vegan Thanksgiving meal for two (42.99) included Mushroom & Root Vegetable en Croûte, Garlic Roasted Fingerlings, Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper Green Beans, Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries & Sage, Herbed Mushroom Gravy, and Pumpkin Curry Soup. A la carte options are also available.
We do not yet have word on their December holiday options. Check with them for details.
Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) Events
ThanksLiving Celebration
The CAA community celebrated the season with CAA’s ThanksLiving Vegan Potluck on Sunday, November 23, at Matthews Park in south Minneapolis. The event ran from 2–4 PM and was open to everyone, with no admission fee. Attendees were encouraged to bring a vegan dish to share, making this the perfect opportunity to enjoy great food while meeting others who share your values. Check out our Flickr album to relive the experience or see what you missed.
West Suburbs Potluck
Join us on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 6:30pm for our monthly West Suburbs Vegan Potluck at the Base Camp coffee shop area of Unmapped Brewing Co. in Minnetonka. With the holidays approaching, attendees are encouraged to bring a dish or dessert that celebrates any holiday of their choice. Let’s share festive flavors and enjoy a joyful, plant-based gathering together!
Non-CAA Vegan Holiday Events
Fargo-Moorhead Gentle Thanksgiving Potluck
In the Fargo-Moorhead area, FMVeg hosted their 19th annual Gentle Thanksgiving Potluck, on Sunday November 23rd, 2pm-5pm, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. There were details on Facebook. We are not aware of any December holiday potlucks they might be having.
Holiday events in December
Kid-friendly Holiday Karaoke – Monday, December 22 (Minneapolis)
If you celebrate Hanukkah, a group of local Jewish vegans is hosting a vegan potluck on December 19 in Minneapolis. Enjoy delicious dishes—including traditional favorites.
Vegan Eats and Arts Holiday Market
12/13, 5pm-8pm at The Legacy Building, 4024 E 46th St in Minneapolis
If you weigh all the mammals on the planet, including humans, just 4% of them are wild, and if you look at land mammals (excluding whales and dolphins) only 2% of all mammal mass is wild creatures. Almost two-thirds of all the mammal weight on the planet is livestock. It’s a similar rate for farmed poultry vs. wild birds.
Animal agriculture has taken over the planet, and it’s causing all kinds of harm. A plant-based diet is much kinder to the earth than an animal-based one. These environmental impacts can be minimized by a plant-based diet.
Climate Change
Animal agriculture accounts for roughly the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions as the transportation sector —15%. If you eliminate your animal product consumption, your carbon footprint goes down 15% too. That’s a huge help in our fight against climate change, as big as switching from a gas furnace to an electric heat pump!
Land Use
An enormous amount of land is used for animal agriculture. Globally, grazing land and cropland for animal feed uses the land equivalent of all of North and South America. People sometimes say that animals graze on land that can’t be used for anything else anyway, but that’s misleading. A third of what is now grazing land was once forests. Additionally, most grazing lands are severely overgrazed, leading to soil degradation and the leakage of carbon into our atmosphere.
Crop Monocultures
In the U.S., most of the grain we grow is used to feed animals. Less than 10% is used for direct human consumption. On top of that, most grains are grown in monocultures (think of those endless fields of corn or soybeans you see as you travel across Minnesota in the summer) that rely on polluting fertilizers and damaging pesticides. Among other harms, crop monocultures lead to soil depletion and a decline in insect populations, especially crucial pollinators.
Deforestation
Animal agriculture is the major driving force of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, with 75% attributed to cattle grazing. The U.S. imports over a billion tons of beef from Brazil each year, so Americans’ taste for beef is a huge contributor to deforestation of the rainforest. Another major driver of deforestation is soy production, but you don’t need to feel guilty that your tofu habit is the cause. Over 75% of soy is used to feed farmed animals.
Water Pollution
Closer to home, animal agriculture is damaging Minnesota aquifers as well as creating nutrient pollution that ultimately ends up in the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River. We have 50 million farmed animals in Minnesota, mostly on factory farms. These animals produce as much manure as nearly 100 million humans (compared with 5.5 million humans in Minnesota). Farmed animal waste doesn’t go to a sewage treatment plant. Instead, it is spread on nearby cropland. Meanwhile, other cropland (which in Minnesota is largely used to grow animal feed) is often overfertilized with artificial fertilizers.
When the land can’t absorb all those nutrients from the manure and fertilizer, the excess seeps into the water table and flows into rivers. 96% of Minnesota farm communities have nitrogen runoff above recommended levels, as nitrogen is one of the main nutrients in both animal waste and fertilizer. Nitrogen pollution in drinking water is linked to elevated rates of cancer, higher infant mortality, and a host of other human health issues. Additionally, Minnesota’s animal agriculture pollution makes its way downstream and contributes to the massive algae bloom and dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico.
Overfishing and Ocean Pollution
Humans are emptying our oceans to feed our fish-eating habit. Today, we have just one-third the population of large ocean fish that we had 100 years ago. On top of that, over 80% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, an area nearly three times the size of Texas, is made up of fishing nets and other garbage from commercial fishing and aquaculture.
Try Plant-Based for the Environment
These are just some of the ways that animal agriculture damages our planet. Moving to a plant-based diet can help restore wild land, slow climate change, and clean up our water supply.
Book a Presentation for Your Group to Learn More
Nicola Philpott and Anna Larsson have created a talk about how we can’t solve the climate crisis without changing how we eat. If you would like to have them speak to your community, office or religious group, please reach out to Nicola Philpott at nicola.philpott@exploreveg.org for more information.
Statistics from OurWorldInData.org; Environmental Working Group (ewg.org); HowStuffWorks.com
https://ourworldindata.org/food-ghg-emissions
Bio
Anna Larsson is a longtime vegan and environmentalist. She works in corporate strategy and finance and volunteers with multiple climate organizations. Anna lives in the Twin Cities with her partner and two teens. You can often find her riding her bike or walking to the farmers market for more vegetables.
This August, Herbivorous Acres animal sanctuary welcomed its newest resident — a two-month-old Holstein calf named Bonnie. Her story began with heartbreak but has turned into one of resilience, friendship, and joy. Bonnie was born a twin, but because her brother was a bull calf, her development was affected in a way common to twin cows of opposite sexes. Their shared placenta caused her to be born without functioning reproductive organs, making her unable to have calves — and, tragically, considered “useless” to the dairy industry. Her twin brother had already been sold for veal, and Bonnie was left alone and in need of a safe home.
A New Beginning for Bonnie
Herbivorous Acres manager, Marie, received an urgent call about Bonnie’s situation, and within days, Bonnie arrived at the sanctuary to start her new life. “She was all alone and desperately in need of a second chance,” the team shared. “If anyone knows the pain of losing a twin, it’s our other cow resident, Hot Wheels. He has a new cow friend now and is nothing short of thrilled.” Watching the two calves bond has been heartwarming for everyone who sees them.
Settling Into Sanctuary Life
Bonnie with her new buddy Hot Wheels
Since her arrival, Bonnie has adjusted beautifully. She’s completed her quarantine, received her vaccines and health checks, and is almost ready to move in full-time with Hot Wheels and Barney the goat. “Watching her explore this life of freedom has been an honor,” said Marie. “She’s independent, strong, brave, and curious — she’s never backed down from a new experience.”
Bonnie’s Bright Personality
Despite her tough start, Bonnie has shown nothing but energy and joy. She’s known for zooming around the pasture at lightning speed, munching on pumpkins, and snuggling up for naps next to Hot Wheels. She’s also developed a sweet friendship with Arthur, the farm cat, and loves playing in the rain.
A Life Filled with Love and Freedom
Bonnie’s story is a reminder of the incredible resilience and individuality of farmed animals. Once seen as “worthless” by the industry, she now lives each day surrounded by care, compassion, and peace. “Her forever home is one full of love, peace, and safety,” Marie said. And judging by the joy in her eyes and the spring in her step, Bonnie knows she’s finally where she belongs.
What Herbivorous Acres Does for Rescued Animals
Herbivorous Acres, a nonprofit sanctuary, is dedicated to rescuing farmed animals from cruelty and neglect. They offer a permanent, loving home for animals who have endured the hardships of factory farming. Currently, the sanctuary is home to 20 animals, including goats, pigs, ducks, hens, roosters, and even a cow. The sanctuary’s mission is to provide a safe space for these animals to live out their lives with peace and dignity, while also raising awareness about the importance of compassionate treatment for farmed animals.
Herbivorous Acres’ efforts extend beyond just caring for animals. Their goal is to shift how society views farmed animals, encouraging people to see them as sentient beings deserving of respect and compassion. The sanctuary aims to inspire change by leading through example, showing that peace begins on your plate.
Herbivorous Acres operates a little differently from other sanctuaries, focusing on a smaller number of residents to ensure each animal receives the highest level of care. Without a volunteer program in place yet and with one dedicated individual managing both daily animal care and operations, capacity is currently limited — but with hopes to expand in the future!
Other Residents of Herbivorous Acres
Olivia and Lucky aren’t the only animals whose lives have been transformed by Herbivorous Acres. The sanctuary is home to other animals, each with their own story of rescue and renewal. Some of the sanctuary’s other beloved residents include:
These animals, like Olivia, have found safety and care at Herbivorous Acres, where they can live free from the fear and suffering of factory farming.
Our Partner Farm Sanctuaries
Herbivorous Acres is just one of several farm sanctuaries in the region doing incredible work to protect farmed animals. Other sanctuaries such as Chicken Run Rescue, Farmaste,Soulspace, andSpring Farm are also dedicated to providing safe, loving homes for animals in need. Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) regularly highlights these sanctuaries and their residents, celebrating the lives they’ve saved and the impact they’re making. Every month, CAA features a sanctuary resident in their blog and newsletter, giving readers a glimpse into the lives of these amazing animals.
Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) hosts many events throughout the year, including Twin Cities Veg Fest, Vegan Recipe Club, cooking classes, potlucks, outreach events, and so much more! CAA’s work includes outreach events, educational initiatives, and activities that help build community around plant-based living and animal advocacy.
To stay informed about upcoming events and new sanctuary residents, follow CAA on social media or visit their website. Follow Compassionate Action for Animals on TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Online
