Syracuse Vegans Meetup

Photography by Alice G. Patterson

Marybeth Fishman is the founder of Syracuse Vegans Meetup Group. We caught up with her this month to talk about the impact a vegan diet has had on her life, how she came to found the group and more!

SWM: When did you begin living a vegan lifestyle?
Marybeth: In 2013. I was a vegetarian for about 13 years before that.

SWM: Was it a hard change to make?
MaryBeth: No. I just did some research on vegan recipes and info, and about which vegan groceries and food substitutes to buy. I also watched some videos online about being vegan.

SWM: What prompted you to start the Syracuse Vegans Meetup Group?
MaryBeth: I wanted to meet other vegans and wanted to enjoy going out to eat vegan meals with other vegans.

SWM: What is the goal of the group?
MaryBeth: Mainly to meet and socialize with other vegans.

SWM: Where and when does the group meet? How do you pick locations?
MaryBeth: We meet twice a month, usually at local restaurants and parks. We have potluck picnics at the parks. I normally choose the places and events and post them in our group, but I am also very open to suggestions from other members.

SWM: Do you have any suggestions for someone interested in learning more about a vegan lifestyle?
MaryBeth: Yes. Watch vegan documentaries on YouTube or Netflix. Join some vegan Facebook groups. I am the admin of the Facebook group “All Vegan Info.” I get a lot of my vegan recipes from Pinterest. We also have a volunteer mentor program in our Meetup group for beginners who need help with being vegan. SWM

For more information on the group, visit meetup.com/Syracuse-CNY-VeganMeetup or facebook.com/groups/1105823586145822. For those interested in learning more or starting their own vegan lifestyle, the group offers a vegan mentor program. To contact MaryBeth directly, email [email protected].