A UF group plans to add a sweet treat when it serves up a meatless Thanksgiving on Friday.
The UF Student Animal Alliance will host its second Vegan Thanksgiving Feast at noon. The group will offer tofurky, a vegan turkey substitute made from soybeans, and traditional Thanksgiving sides to students walking on the Plaza of the Americas.
This year, the alliance will add 200 chocolate chip and pumpkin cookies to the menu of vegan mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals will donate five tofurky packages and $100 for the sides and desserts, said Manny Rutinel, the group’s vice president.
"This (feast) shows people that vegan food is absolutely delicious," the 20-year-old UF microbiology senior said. "Hopefully, people feel how welcoming vegans are and how beneficial it is to be vegan."
The group expects about 300 people to participate. Christina Bicknell, Student Animal Alliance president, said the event serves to encourage veganism.
"I hope people try our food and take a stab at being vegan," said Bicknell, a 21-year-old UF public relations senior who has been a vegan for two years. "I hope this opens people’s eyes."
UF behavioral and cognitive neuroscience sophomore Leila Shafiq said she’ll attend the event. The 19-year-old vegetarian said she tried to be vegan, but gave up after a week because it was hard.
"I want to see if you can make Thanksgiving, which is mostly an animal-based holiday, vegan," she said.
