Veg-Heads Unite for One Weekend

Be prepared.

This weekend, veg-heads from across the nation will converge on our lakefront to take in Toronto's 22nd Annual Food Fair.

First, may I commend the organizers for NOT sticking the world international into the show. It always feels somewhat juvenile when Toronto conventions/conferences/trade shows throw in that word -- as if we are playing: my city is bigger than your city tussle match.

Second, this is actually a rather large fair that attracts a rather diverse crowd.

Now, a cynic would simply see this as an opportunity for veg-heads all across (southeastern) North America to converge and wax on about how superior they are to the "regular" pork-scoffing eaters; a way to affirm our superiority, as they munch on tofu and eat vegan ice cream.

The reality, however, is that many of the visitors are part-time non-meat eaters. People who are trying -- for moral, ethical or health reasons -- to rid their diet of animal flesh.

This fair offers this "on the fence" crowd, along with the self-committed vegetarians and vegans, an opportunity to celebrate their alternative.

Joking aside, this is not a display of superiority, but rather an invitation for examination.

And it comes at a rather poignant time. Author Eric Schlosser, of Fast Food Nation fame, is once again examining (naye -- attacking) the fast-food industry. He's got a new book, Chew On This, aimed at deprogramming kids from their burger, fries and Coke compulsion. He's also got a screenplay adaptation of his original book coming out -- a fictionalized account of the facts presented in his Fast Food Nation book.

While Schlosser's examination is a rather ephemeral examination of our culture and our food habits, the Vegetarian Food Fair is a practical method of self-examination and respectful action. Both are essential.

If we are ever to deal with the growing Western problems surrounding food (including food disorders, body image, obesity, resource abuse and consumption and excess) we may, then, get an opportunity to have a real impact on the other 80% of the world that doesn't wallow in such luxuries.

Enjoy your bean and beet burger...it's mmmm-mmmm good.

Toronto's Vegetarian Food Fair will be held THIS weekend (September 8, 9 and 10, 2006) at York Quay Centre, Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, Canada. The hours of the fair are:
Friday, Sept. 8 — 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 9 — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 10 — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
And admission is free.

For more information on the Toronto Vegetarian Food Fair go to:
http://www.veg.ca/foodfair/
For more information on Schlosser's book go to:
http://www.grist.org/advice/books/2006/08/31/philpott/index.html
For an article on Schlosser go to:
http://www.grist.org/advice/books/2001/08/10/meal/