According to senior Lara Garcia, ever since she decided to eat a vegan diet over a year ago, she has felt inspired to promote positive veganism within her own community. A club seemed like her way to do it.

When asked why she became vegan in the first place, Garcia said it was primarily because of her love for animals which led her to not support the systems in which animal meat is produced.

“Eating a vegan diet is extremely important to me, primarily because I love all animals,” Garcia said. “I could never kill or abuse an animal myself; therefore, I choose not to support the slaughtering of billions of animals annually through the consumption of animal meat.”

Besides finding it important to keep a vegan diet, Garcia said she also wants to advocate for others to become vegan, and a club seemed like the best way to do so while in high school.

“Many vegans promote veganism through YouTube, or Podcasts and by example, so I just felt, inherently that I must share veganism with my community somehow. This club allows me to do just that,” stated Garcia.

According to senior co-creator Cecilia Brown, the club fills a need that the school doesn’t provide.

“It’s really great because we don’t even have a culinary class so it was good to even just learn about how to cook,” Brown said. “We don’t have any classes like that and it’s good for the future.”

Garcia said her goal for the club is to spread veganism through teaching students vegan meals they can make at home.

“My hopes with creating this club are that people feel inspired to create vegan meals on their own, and to become more open minded to veganism.” Garcia said.

According to Brown, the club teaches students new ways to pay attention to what they’re eating.

“It’s good to be conscious of what you’re putting in your body.” Brown said.

Garcia said she also aspires to educate club members on health-conscious eating, whether they’re vegan or not.

“I also hope people can make more educated choices about what they are putting into their body, because while some food can benefit your body, other food can truly negatively impact your bodies overall function.” Garcia said.

According to Brown, the club is a great opportunity to meet new friends while trying new foods.

“It’s really great bonding with people,” Brown said. “You get to cook and do crazy recipes together, which is awesome.”

Garcia said there are a number of way for students to connect with the club.

“People can get involved in our club by following ‘veganculinaryclub’ on Instagram, or just stopping by on Wednesdays after school in the old cooking room,” Garcia said.