That small-town charm can come with vegan challenges. We’re here to help!
Did you leave big city life for the charm of a small town? Or maybe you grew up in a small town and have stayed close to home to be near family. Either way, while smaller communities can have a certain charm, ease, and peace about them, they can also present a challenge if you are vegan. Big cities often have all-vegan restaurants in plentitude. But if you are living as a vegan in a small town, you may be hard pressed to find vegan options at any of your local spots. What’s a plant-based eater to do? Well, read on to learn more.
Is It Difficult to Be Vegan in a Small Town?
It’s not impossible to be vegan in a small town, but it may be difficult. Online search tools are often your best resource. Through these, you can learn what grocery stores you have in your area and what vegan products they carry. You can also explore restaurant menus online. With a little help from the internet, eating plant-based may not be as convenient in a smaller town, but it is possible.
What Are Some Tips to Navigating Small Town Vegan Life?
Being vegan in a small town can be a fun challenge! Explore and expand your options with these tips to help you navigate your small town vegan life.
Master Your Local Grocery Store
Learn which grocery stores in your area carry the best vegan products. You may have to go to one store for produce and another for meat and dairy alternatives. Also, be on the lookout for bulk options such as grains, beans, and more.
Can’t find adequate supermarket options in your community? Why not frequent online markets like Thrive or Misfits Market? These can be good alternatives to shopping in person. And most stock an ample supply of pantry staples and produce.
Be sure to check out our Vegan Pantry Essentials Cheat Sheet for help stocking your plant-based pantry.
Courtesy of Pexels/Anna Shvets
Learn to Request What You Need
It may be easier than you think to request what you need. If a store doesn’t carry one of your go-to vegan items, just ask! Get to know store managers and make suggestions of products you know others could also benefit from.
You may be helping others as well. There might be neighbors living in your area who would like to see more vegan products on the shelves. But they may not realize they can ask for them. By speaking up, you are empowering others to make healthier choices.
Take Advantage of Online Shopping
You can find everything you need to live a comfortable vegan lifestyle online. Order all your needs from vitamin supplements to pantry staples and produce delivery boxes. Plus, your groceries are delivered right to your doorstep. So, take advantage of online shopping!
We like Hippo7 for multivitamins and supplements. The high-quality ingredients and subscription convenience make this our go-to brand. Choose from Bliss Digest, Zen Warrior, Immune Star, and more.
Level up Your Home Cooking
Whether you are a cooking novice or a pro, learn to master restaurant-quality dishes at home. With cooking classes like Brownble, you can sharpen your skills, gain access to amazing recipes, and level up your home cooking for you and your family and friends.
Brownble offers over 800 recipes, training from a certified plant-based cook, and a supportive online community. While you can join with a monthly subscription, why not take advantage of the savings for an annual membership?
Courtesy of Pexels
Shop Your Farmers Markets
Farmers markets can be a great source for everything from greens and beans to vegan cobblers and jam. Plus, they are a fun way to get to know your neighbors. Baguettes, cookies, soups, and vegan cheese are just a few things you may be lucky enough to find.
Farmers markets are an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint as well. Shopping close to home helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting transportation waste and excess packaging. Plus, they make being vegan in a small town much easier.
Find Your Vegan Community
One big advantage of living in a small town is the ease of building community. And while it can feel like you are the only vegan in town, you may be surrounded by more than you know. Social media can be a great way to find like-minded people.
Look for vegan groups in your area or join online communities as well. These individuals will be a solid resource for neighborhood vegan finds or plant-based businesses online. It’s also nice to have someone to share your vegan journey with.
