Shouldn't the animal shelter's holiday dinner offer a vegetarian choice on the menu?

Question

This is so embarrasing! I am a new volunteer and a rich donor is treating the entire staff to an expensive holiday celebration with just two choices: an expensive cut of beef or a seafood dish. I only know a few people and I will be so disheartened to see all these animal rights advocates eating meat. I don't want to embarras any of them either when I have to ask for special food like they should have done. I am so disillusioned! If the animal shelter is not vegan friendly then the whole world must be nuts! I don't want to spoil the party, but I wish there was an acceptable way I could help them to see their hypocrasy. Staying home in silent protest won't solve anything either.

Answer 1

Ask for a vegetarian/vegan option.

I used to work in catering--there's always a vegetarian option hanging around, sometimes a vegan one. Chefs enjoy a challenge, and as long as you give them advance notice, will be happy to give you an option.

At EVERY meal, there was a vegetarian/vegan option for a person or two who refused to eat meat. Hey, sometimes people can't eat meat, don't like it, they're allergic to it, whatever. If they flat-out refuse to accommodate your needs, then you can decline and say that it's because your needs weren't met.

But I'm pretty sure they'll accommodate you. As far as other people eating the meat/seafood...yeah, it might be nice if they ate vegan, but you can't necessarily do that unless YOU'RE the wealthy donor who picks the menu.

If you can't stand being around people eating meat (understandable), then don't go. But if you can eat your own personal food and let other people eat what they want, then go.

Yeah, it sucks. Activism means making difficult choices and being uncomfortable sometimes. Sometimes, you get left out and angry at the powers that be.

But in the end, it's about what matters to YOU. YOU set the example. YOU do what you feel is right. There will always be people who do things you don't agree with.

You have to determine how much you can stand. If you feel that it's better for you to eat vegan around them and set an example, then go to it.

But if you think it would be better to stay at home rather than be among people eating meat all around you, stay at home. Be honest about your reasons.

They'll have to come to their own decisions about right and wrong in their own time. You just worry about yourself and what you're comfortable with.

Answer 2

I would ask them beforehand or after, not during the party. I think you could really make a difference, as these are people who care about animals (or at least they think they do) and would be much more open to your message than the average population. Don't ever be embarassed to ask for a cruelty-free meal!


I agree that it's really sad. When I got my guinea pigs, there was a girl at the front desk chewing a hamburger! I have no idea how people can be so completely without an ability to THINK critically.

Answer 3

That does seem odd. You might want to contact whoever is making the arrangements if there could be a vegan option. I find it odd that they work to save some animals but have no problem eating others.

If you can't get your veg option, you can eat ahead of time and go for the company to try to meet new people. Or you can just stay home. You have to decide which is best for you.

Answer 4

It's just not something most people think of. A lot of people probably don't even know a vegetarian, we're still a relatively rare breed ya know. I wouldn't make a big deal of it. If you'd like a separate dish, perhaps you could just bring it yourself or just eat the meatless dishes...not everything needs to be a protest. I never expect anyone to prepare special dishes for me (except for mom, of course).

Answer 5

properly that's a annoying determination yet listed decrease than are some suggestions: Vegan Poork dumplings (be at liberty to PM for a recipe) Panang Tofu Pad Thai Veggie Fajitas (desirable for a party you additionally can do a version and do a taco party) Enchiladas (i could bypass with a cream sauce and avocado on desirable) with refried beans and yellow rice Palak Paneer or Mushroom Paneer French Onion Soup and perchance for dessert Chocolate Soufflé (back be at liberty to PM for recipe, foodie acquaintances of mine have raved approximately it announcing that's the desirable they have ever had) Cannoli Sorry if I ran world huge to quickly yet i admire a number of of distinctive ingredients from a number of of distinctive places and it became a annoying option to narrow it down like a I did

Answer 6

Most animal shelters and welfare organisations are hypocritical like that.

If they won't offer a veg meal, don't go or just go for the company.

I'm an employee of an animal shelter and if they don't order any vegan food, I just eat what I brought for lunch.\

The only thing that I've ever been able to eat is pizza without any cheese.

Answer 7

Don't get so bent out of shape. Sheesh!

Simply contact the coordinator of the holiday party and explain that you think it would be nice to offer a vegetarian entree as an option. Offer to help find the recipe, choose a chef, present the option to the guests, etc.

They just might listen to you.

Answer 8

Yes they should. However, people who work for animal shelters are most often people who want to save pets (not other animals), people who want to be vets, or other people who simply want to get volunteer hours. There are very few "animal rights" people who work in these shelters, counter-intuitively.

Answer 9

It's very expensive to offer a vegetarian option for the group. On an individual basis, it is actually more economical.

Also, being for animal rights doesn't mean you have to be vegan or vegetarian. Most animal rights activists actually aren't--we are omnivores by nature.

Answer 10

Hmmm, this is indeed, embarrassing! Someone could make a call and gently explain...? Being an amimal-rights advocate takes a bit of a thick skin, sometimes. The others who share your concern would applaud you !