The Lone
Star Vegetarian Network, a loosely-knit group of Texas vegetarian societies,
was formed in 1988.
There were
four members that first year: Austin, Houston,
San Antonio and South Texas of Brazoria County.
Now there are eight
groups from around the state. The new
groups are: Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Lubbock and Rio Grande Valley.
Contact between these
groups is important and while each group retains full autonomy, they agree to
assure that all vegetarian events hosted by them will be vegan (no animal
products served, including meat, dairy and eggs). While it is not required that members be vegan (or even
vegetarian), it does not seem unreasonable to expect them to enjoy pure
vegetarian food at such events.
Sometimes lacto-ovo (dairy & egg) vegetarians
have questioned this rule. So, why is
it so important? For all the same
reasons we don't eat meat. Every
one. And out of courtesy for the
growing number of vegans among us.
Surely lacto-ovo vegetarians know how frustrating it can be to have to
ask, "What is in this food?" - lard, chicken broth, etc., - and how
nice it is to attend vegetarian events where we no longer have to worry about
the food. Vegan events are both
supportive and educational. Vegetarian
organizations can be on the cutting edge.
Thank you for being with us on this!