May 5, 2025
Every spring, Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) celebrates VegWeek — a time to raise awareness about plant-based living and the benefits it brings to animals, our health, and the planet. In 2025, VegWeek was full of exciting events around Minnesota. From family-friendly Earth Day celebrations to a plant-based cooking class and video outreach at the University of Minnesota, CAA reached hundreds of people with the message that choosing plant-based food is a powerful way to make a difference.
VegWeek was also the start of our Veg Pledge! Everyone who signed up committed to try more plant-based meals for one week. To help them out, we sent daily emails with simple tips, helpful advice, and support from our community. They also got special discounts at some local plant-based restaurants to make it easier (and more fun) to try new foods. People already eating plant-based could join too—by inviting two friends to take the pledge, they got the same rewards!
The following is a summary of the VegWeek events:
Earth Day at Ridgedale Library – April 19
VegWeek kicked off with a big Earth Day event at Ridgedale Library in Minnetonka. Our table attracted around 80 people, including students, families, and curious library-goers.
CAA set up a colorful table with our popular “Spin the Wheel” game, where visitors won candy samples, including plant-based Reese’s, and learned how resource-intensive our food choices can be. Sixty vegan treat samples were handed out! Many people were concerned about how much water, land, and pollution is connected to animal agriculture.
Eight people took the Veg Pledge to try more plant-based meals during VegWeek. Several parents and students also signed the Plant-Based School Meal Option endorsement form, showing strong support for more vegan choices in schools.
We also encouraged other exhibitors to participate in this year’s Twin Cities Veg Fest and left behind copies of Minnesota Veg Living magazine for library visitors to learn more.
“This was so great volunteering! I’m really glad I came.” — Nicola Philpott, volunteer
Sweet Treats at the Dessert Potluck – April 20
On Sunday, CAA hosted a Vegan Dessert Potluck, and it was as delicious as it sounds. Six people gathered to enjoy treats like banana bread, avocado-lime cupcakes, brownies, ice cream, peanut butter-chocolate truffles, and fresh mangoes.
The mood was warm and relaxed, perfect for a quiet holiday afternoon.
“This was so nice because we usually don’t have a lot to do on this holiday!” — Attendee
“It was really mellow and fun to hang out with you and the others. It was a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.” — Anna Larsson
Video Outreach at UMN – April 21 & 25
The CAA chapter at the UMN held two powerful video outreach events during VegWeek. These short pop-up events gave students the chance to watch a 3-minute video about animal agriculture and have conversations about change.
On April 21, we were lucky to have a great sunny day and set up on the West Bank Bridgehead. 26 people stopped by, and six signed the Veg Pledge. Thank you to Ronan Magnus, Ryan Sauers, and Vaagish Sivakumar for helping make it a success (and to Ronan’s family for the delicious baked goods)!
“We think outreach is important; it gives a sense of purpose to the group.” — Member of the chapter of CAA at UMN
On April 25, we moved indoors to Coffman Memorial Union due to rain, but the conversations kept going. 22 people came by, and four more people signed the Veg Pledge. Shout out to Alex Nyberg, Ronan Magnus, Ryan Sauers, and Blake Jordan for volunteering and providing cookies!
St. Cloud Dine Out at Arroy Thai and Filipino – April 22
VegWeek traveled to St. Cloud, where five people gathered to eat plant-based meals at Arroy Thai and Filipino Restaurant. This event gave attendees a chance to enjoy flavorful vegan dishes and learn about plant-based living in a relaxed setting.
Everyone signed the Plant-Based School Meal Option form, showing their support for better food choices in schools.
Virtual Cooking Class With Tamuno – April 24
The week also featured a virtual cooking class hosted by CAA’s Community Organizer Tamuno Imbu. Tamuno taught how to make a hearty Cauliflower Pesto Lasagna — a plant-based version of a classic comfort food.
The dish replaced ground turkey with cauliflower and used vegan ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella. Tamuno also shared tips on building flavor and prepping veggies. The class was recorded and will be shared soon so others can cook along at home.
Twin Cities Dine Out at Stray Dog – April 25
On Friday night, 16 people came together at Stray Dog, a restaurant in the Twin Cities with a surprisingly vegan-friendly menu. Attendees enjoyed burgers, sandwiches, and more while learning about CAA’s mission and advocacy work.
Once again, guests showed their support by signing the Plant-Based School Meal Option endorsement form.
Earth Day at Mendota Heights – April 26
The final Earth Day event of VegWeek took place at Market Square Park in Mendota Heights. It was a sunny day filled with environmental vendors and families enjoying the outdoors.
CAA’s table was busy, with 70 people stopping by, including 40 students. We gave away vegan treats through our Spin the Wheel game and had great conversations about plant-based living.
Thirteen people took the Veg Pledge, showing strong interest in eating more plant-based meals. Thanks to Sean Garrett and Sarah Matanah for volunteering at this fun and impactful event!
Spring Jam Outreach at UMN – April 26
CAA’s UMN chapter also participated in Spring Jam, a lively outdoor festival on campus. The group handed out vegan recipes and coloring sheets to passersby.
The team enjoyed being part of the event. Sometimes even small interactions can plant seeds of change!
Wrapping Up VegWeek 2025
Throughout the week, CAA reached hundreds of people — from families and students to veg-curious eaters and experienced vegans. We shared information, gave out tasty plant-based food, and encouraged people to take steps toward a more compassionate lifestyle.
By the end of VegWeek:
- 66 people took the Veg Pledge
- Dozens signed the Plant-Based School Meal Option endorsement form
- Many more learned how their food choices impact animals and the planet
Whether it was through games, food, cooking, or conversation, VegWeek 2025 was a success — and it’s all thanks to the amazing volunteers, organizers, and attendees who made it happen.
