Resident, Pizzeria Join to Offer Vegan Option

Some say there’s nothing simpler than .

For one Long Valley resident, that’s how she came to lean on a local eatery to help spread the word about World Go Vegan Week.

Christine Money, a vegan and local volunteer for In Defense of Animals (IDA), thought it would be a great idea to spread awareness of the cause and share her way of life with her neighbors.

“IDA came up with this particular campaign, asking local pizzerias to offer vegan pizza, as it was such a simple way for people to make a vegan choice,” Money said.

Money’s next step was to head over to , to see what could be done about it.

“Christine approached me with the idea, and brought over a bag of this stuff called Daiya mozzarella shred,” said Bob Prudente, owner of the pizzeria. “I made a pie with it, and I was shocked. It was surprisingly good.”

The Daiya mozzarella shred is dairy and lactose free, and includes tapioca and arrowroot among its ingredients. Bob’s Pizza offered a gluten-free crust before World Go Vegan Week, which runs through Monday, Oct. 31.

A handful of people have ordered the vegan pizza, Prudente said, with more promising to return before week’s end.

“Some of these people have said they haven’t had pizza in so long because they’re allergic to dairy or have a gluten allergy, and they’re so happy about this option,” Prudente said.

For Money, though, it’s not just about allergies and sensitivities to various foods.

“Some may question why this choice is such an all-round benefit, not just for their own immediate health, but that of global health,” Money said. “It’s about the impact of animal agriculture on environmental degradation, clear-cutting forest, water pollution, production of methane, and the egregious brutality of factory farming, with dairy farming being one of the worst.”

For more information about World Go Vegan Week, visit worldgoveganweek.org.