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Pig abuse lawsuit should spark change in Minnesota agriculture
A guest blog by Julie Knopp (as appeared in The Minnesota Reformer)
November 17, 2023
Wally faced a frightening future as he sped down the highway on a transport truck. A piglet born into the meat industry, Wally would likely spend his short life trapped inside a factory farm.
But a moment of courage and good fortune changed Wally’s life forever. While barreling down I-90, Wally forced open a gate at the back of the truck and leapt to freedom, skidding down the highway. A witness called 911, and animal control officers came to the scene.
Wholesome Minnesota is on a roll! Presentations to Green Club youth and FACs classes plant seeds of change
November 10, 2023
In October, Wholesome returned to meet with the Hopkins Green Club again. The teacher at Hopkins has been incredibly supportive, making it a seamless collaboration. Jodi shared her information on the interconnectedness of climate and our food choices. She introduced the hot topic of the Colorado River. Jodi shared: “if we break it down, we can very clearly see the pattern of destruction and overconsumption from animal agriculture. This subject seems to be resonating.”
Jodi has also been visiting FACS classes to introduce youth to plant-based foods and how healthy and tasty they can be. On November 7, she visited a Bloomington Kennedy class. The students got hands-on, making tofu mousse. This interactive approach helped them develop an appreciation for plant-based alternatives. It was an invaluable opportunity for Jodi to build rapport and gather insights. The teacher was so impressed that she is connecting Jodi with other FACS teachers she knows.
Get to know Timmy: First rooster resident at Spring Farm Sanctuary!
A guest blog from Spring Farm Sanctuary
November 9, 2023
Meet Timmy, a young white leghorn rooster whose exact age remains a mystery. Timmy’s journey to Spring Farm Sanctuary began when he was discovered wandering in a Bloomington, MN neighborhood this past May. Concerned neighbors came to the rescue, and Timmy found his way to our sanctuary. His arrival marked a significant first for us, as he became our first-ever rooster resident.
Over time, we carefully introduced Timmy to Hank, our turkey, and an extraordinary friendship blossomed between them. Timmy’s intelligence shines through as he responds to his name and eagerly comes when called. He’s not only clever but also incredibly agile and vocal. His protective nature extends to his dear friend Hank, and they share a special bond.
Planting seeds for a healthier, more compassionate future: CAA’s work with north Minneapolis youth
October 5, 2023
We’re excited to share about a recent project with young people in the Shingle Creek area of north Minneapolis. Tamuno Imbu, our community organizer, held a series of classes aimed at engaging youth in Creekview Park. This project is a collaboration with the Park District. It aims to introduce youth to the idea of a plant-based diet and help them develop their leadership skills.
Over the course of three Thursdays, Tamuno met with young people aged 12-17 who often spend time at the park. He engaged them in conversations about the benefits of eating plant-based foods and shared delicious vegan foods. At the same time, the park district had a leadership initiative, and we joined forces to incorporate leadership training into our classes.
During these sessions, the young participants enjoyed such vegan treats as vegan shakes and spaghetti. (Check out our information below for some of the recipes he used). This not only satisfied their taste buds but also showed them that plant-based meals can be tasty. It opened their eyes that it is possible to eat a diet that is kinder to the planet and their own health.
Strategic Planning: Shaping CAA’s Future Together
October 27, 2023
CAA board and staff are engaged in a Strategic Planning process to guide our work for the next three years. Specific goals will be set including targets to measure progress and success in each area of our work. Our first step was to hear from key stakeholders in the organization: that includes staff, board, donors, volunteers and those who read our weekly emails and attend events. That means you!
You might remember that in the past few months, we asked you to fill out a survey. We wanted to know more about how you’re involved with our organization, what you think of the work we do, and your ideas for what we should do in the future. Over 130 of you generously took the time to respond! Your input was invaluable – thank you!
BIPGM Summit: making connections and empowering change in the plant-based community
October 26, 2023
The Jump Off: Life and Liberation Summit for Black, Indigenous, and People of the Global Majority (BIPGM) was held on October 23rd. CAA’s Community Organizer, Tamuno Imbu, arranged the event to create a space to celebrate and uplift underrepresented voices in the plant-based community. It brought together inspiring individuals who are passionate about social justice and plant-based living.
The Summit aimed to:
- Strengthen collective power by voicing passions
- Organize to support issues affecting Twin Cities BIPGM neighbors
- Identify next steps for action
Get to know Dexter Thomas, CAA Volunteer
October 19, 2023
In 2005, Dexter read ‘Strategic Nonviolence for Animal Liberation’ by Freeman Wicklund. This book introduced him to CAA and the philosophy of strategic nonviolence which was our focus at that time.
This approach inspired his activism in Utah, where he lived. Implementing CAA’s approach helped bring about tangible transformations and measurable progress for animal rights there. He is proud of the changes he helped facilitate and attributes much of that to the principles he learned from CAA.
In April 2021, Dexter moved to Minnesota from Utah with his partner and their four adopted cats. They have embraced the vibrant local culture and are exploring all the Twin Cities has to offer. Contributing to CAA’s mission is high on his list of priorities. Most recently, he volunteered on the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge Committee. He enjoyed supporting its work to promote vegan cuisine and bring it into the mainstream.
Meet Hot Wheels: The joyful Jersey cow of Herbivorous Acres
October 17, 2023
We want to introduce you to a lovable, curious, and spirited five-month-old Jersey cow. Hot Wheels is one of the most recent residents at Herbivorous Acres.
Hot Wheels’ journey to the sanctuary started in May 2023 when he was rescued from a dairy farm. Hot Wheels was deemed too small to be sold for cheap veal, and as a male, not profitable to the dairy industry. Herbivorous Acres rescued him from certain death and gave him a forever home.
Hot Wheels arrived at the sanctuary with his twin brother, Stretch, and they weren’t in the best shape. Both were very sick with pneumonia and extremely high temperatures. The dedicated team at Herbivorous Acres worked tirelessly to nurse them back to health. Unfortunately, Stretch didn’t make it and died of cardiomyopathy last June.
Vegan Boards | November 2023 | Vegan Recipe Club
October 13, 2023
The cookbook selection for November is Vegan Boards (2021) by Kate Kasbee. Join us on November 21 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
If you are curious about vegan cooking, this club is for you! Each month participants make three recipes from popular cookbooks then share their reflections with the group in an online meeting. Novice to expert cooks are welcome, as are interested non-cooks. Registration not required.
The publisher of this month’s featured cookbook says: “Finally, a book of beautiful food board ideas for snacks, parties, and family meals that fit your plant-based diet. Serving artfully arranged foods on boards or platters is extremely popular, but until now, all the books on the subject have been full of meats, cheeses, and other animal products. Vegan Boards is the first book to make this trend accessible to people who follow a plant-based diet. The results are delectable—and gorgeous to behold.“
Get to know Hannah Milos: one of CAA’s newest Board members
September 28, 2023
Hannah Milos started volunteering with CAA in 2022, helping with events like Twin Cities VegFest, the Annual Vegan Chili Cook-Off, and the Twin Cities Plant-Based Bike Crawl. In the summer of 2023, she attended the Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit with CAA, where she learned valuable skills and resources for being a better activist. This inspired her to join the board in August 2023.
Hannah appreciated her year of volunteering with CAA, finding events like VegFest, the Vegan Chili Cookoff, and the Plant-Based Bike Crawl both creative and fun. She enjoyed meeting fellow vegans, volunteers, and CAA staff. Her participation in the Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit exposed her to passionate activists and organizations, fueling her desire to be a more active activist.