Food for Thought
by Sandra Ozolins

Vegetarians and vegans are fortunate to be able to make an informed choice not to support the exploitation of animals and to lead a compassionate, cruelty free lifestyle. Many of us have made the connection that animal derived food, especially that which is intensively produced, squanders resources and damages the Earth’s fragile environment. In short, it is an inefficient and unsustainable way of feeding ourselves.
But do we make the same choices about not using animal derived food when supporting overseas famine relief? This a dilemma for people who want to help in some way but do not want to ‘send a goat’ or ‘send a cow’.
The vegan charity Vegfam (charity no. 232208) has been financing overseas famine relief projects, using plant foods, since 1963. During this time, the world has seen many changes and perhaps now more than ever before, vegetarian and vegan principles are crucial to the wellbeing of people and the planet. Economically too, it makes far more sense to grow crops for direct human consumption rather than fodder crops which are fed to animals. In India, it is possible for an entire family to be selfsufficient in vegan-organic food for less than £5.00 - this is all that it costs to provide seeds and tools for people to grow crops all
year round. It also includes the provision of fruit trees and a plant nursery.
In Africa, the same sum of money will ensure a safe water supply.During 2005/6 Vegfam placed almost £70,000 on projects, benefiting 3/4 million people in 11 countries. Doesn’t it make sense therefore to remain true to your ideals whilst supporting those less fortunate than you are?

You can find out more about Vegfam’s work at www. vegfamcharity.org.uk or contact The Secretary, c/o Cwm Cottage, Cwmynys, Cilycwm, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, SA20 0EU. Tel: 01550 721 197.