A local non-profit is looking to open the eyes of the community when it comes to eating green by serving up a day of great eats and educational demonstrations.

Lifestyle Solutions Healthy Planet, Inc. is bringing back the Cape Coral Vegan Street Fest this Sunday, packed with free samples, cooking demos, food vendors, and guest speakers.

The free-to-attend festivities will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 915 Southeast 14th Place between Viscaya Parkway and Southeast 10th Street in the industrial park. The day boasts live music, deejay, animal friendly and environmentally friendly vendors, and a kids zone.

“It’s wonderful to be able to expose people to other options,” said Lifestyle Solutions Healthy Planet board member Marlies Laaper. “We’ll have lots of different options.

“There’s so many people that think that vegan food is ‘pretend’ — such as meat. But vegan food is vegetables and plant-based food featured in so many beautiful ways. And this is a great event to be able to experience that and go and see all of the options out there. It’s for anyone who is looking to explore or learn a bit more about how to follow a plant-based diet.”

PROVIDED

Those who turn up can get to taste just about any kind of plant alternative they’d like, as there will be 25 food vendors that will be serving purely plant-based dishes.

Cooking demonstrations will be done by: Brittany Devine, owner of Vibrant Beat Cafe; Justin Connely, executive chef at Shell Point; Erika Graziani, registered dietitian at Lee Heath; Sam Wood, head chef at Cafe YOU; and Michelle McMann of PlateYourPlant.com.

“Not only will attendees get to watch the cooking demonstration, they’ll get a copy of the recipe and a chance to sample the food,” Laaper said.

Educational speakers will give talks throughout the event highlighting a specific category of expertise. Speakers and their topics include: Dr. Richard Bloy – My Wellness Journey; Dr. Rebecca Acosta – Building Optimal Health; Dr. Sal Lacagnina – Food as Medicine; and Melissa Furman – How to Achieve Health & Wellness.

“There’s so many opportunities to learn about not only the benefits, but the possibilities food-wise,” Laaper said. “It extends even beyond the food, as we’ll have yoga and Pilates studios present.”

Attendees can also immerse themselves in a world of vegan products and services, with nearly 40 other vendors championing a plant-based lifestyle that benefits personal health, the environment, and animal welfare.

“It’s going to be a great day out jam-packed with educational speakers, cooking demos, live speakers, and live music acts,” Laaper said. “Our kid zone is fantastic with exercises for youth geared towards health and wellness.”

The event is animal-friendly and parking is free.

For more information on Lifestyle Solutions Healthy Planet, visit LifestyleSolutionsHealthyPlanet.org.