A gathering of plant-power and community
This past Saturday, October 25, the VegOttawa Association had the joy of participating as a vendor at the Vegans Who Snack Festival, hosted by Little Jo Berry’s at the Parkdale Public Market. The event brought together hundreds of attendees, more than 60 local vegan-friendly vendors, and an atmosphere that perfectly captured what our community is all about — kindness, creativity, and connection through food.
Who We Are
For those who may be new to us, VegOttawa is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting a plant-based lifestyle in the Ottawa region. We advocate for veganism as a way to protect animals, improve personal and planetary health, and foster a more compassionate world.
Through our work, including maintaining a directory of vegan-friendly businesses, hosting community events, and collaborating with local organizations, we aim to make vegan living more accessible, inclusive, and connected. You can learn more about what we do at vegottawa.org.
Memberships & What They Mean
One of the key ways we build and sustain our community is via our membership program. By joining VegOttawa, members gain access to exclusive discounts at 40+ vegan-friendly businesses in and around Ottawa, ranging from restaurants and cafés to fitness and wellness services. Membership also supports our advocacy work (we collaborate on environmental and animal-welfare initiatives) and enables us to host events for the plant-based community, such as the annual VegOttawa Fest.
Annual membership is just $22.50, with a student option at 50 % off. There are no obligations once you join — you can attend our Annual General Meeting if you like, volunteer with us, or simply enjoy the benefits. Members are also welcome to attend our events and access our resources, including the member-discount network.
In short: when you sign up, you’re joining a community and helping to amplify our local plant-based impact.
Why We Aligned with Vegans Who Snack
The Vegans Who Snack Festival is more than just a market — it’s a celebration of Ottawa’s thriving vegan scene. Organized by the amazing team at Little Jo Berry’s, the festival was designed to spotlight small businesses, showcase delicious vegan food, and create a fun, inclusive space for everyone: from long-time vegans to those simply curious about the lifestyle.
The festival’s mission perfectly aligns with our own. Both VegOttawa and Vegans Who Snack share a commitment to:
- Supporting local vegan and vegan-friendly businesses
- Building inclusive, accessible spaces that welcome everyone
- Promoting community connection through food, compassion, and shared values
It was truly inspiring to see the turnout and enthusiasm from people of all ages — families, students, dog walkers, and longtime supporters — all enjoying a day built around kindness and delicious snacks.
Our Booth at the Festival
Our VegOttawa booth was buzzing with energy all afternoon! Visitors stopped by to learn more about our organization, sign up for our membership and newsletter, share their own vegan journeys, and connect with others in the community.
Some of our highlights included:
- New members and volunteers: We welcomed several new sign-ups and had countless conversations about how to get involved.
- Community connections: Many attendees discovered local vegan businesses through our directory and shared how much they appreciate having a resource like VegOttawa.
- Engaging conversations: From tips on transitioning to a plant-based diet to learning about upcoming events, it was wonderful to exchange ideas with so many passionate people.
We also hosted a #PlantPowered trivia contest on all things food, animals, and the environment, with coupons from four of our amazing partners — Pie Rogues, Chap Chap Snacks, Fauxmagerie Zengarry, and Chickpeas — as prizes. The contest was a huge hit, and we’re so grateful for our partners’ generosity!
A Look Back at the Festival
The festival itself was an incredible success with vibrant music, good weather, and endless vegan treats. Vendors offered everything from baked goods and savory snacks to handmade crafts and sustainable products. The friendly, inclusive atmosphere reflected exactly what makes Ottawa’s vegan community so special.
We loved seeing some familiar faces and meeting many new ones, too. A special shout-out to the volunteers, organizers, and other vendors who made the day such a warm and welcoming experience.
What’s Next for VegOttawa You Ask?
We’re grateful to everyone who stopped by our booth, shared a smile, and helped make the festival such a success. Events like Vegans Who Snack remind us why we do what we do — because community connection is at the heart of meaningful change.
As we move forward, VegOttawa will continue supporting local vegan initiatives, hosting events, and expanding our resources for anyone interested in living more compassionately. Stay connected with us by visiting vegottawa.org, becoming a member, signing up for our newsletter, and following us on social media.Together, we’re building a healthier, kinder, and more sustainable Ottawa — one snack (and one conversation) at a time. 🌱
VegOttawa Association 