Vegan University is a free program designed to help you go – and stay – vegan in a way that works for you. You can sign up for your own vegan mentor, take a vegan grocery shopping tour, and attend in-person or online workshops – and it’s all free!
We’re here to help get you across that finish line in your transition to a plant-based diet!
Vegan University consists of the following elements originated by ARC: Easy Peasy Vegan Cooking Classes offered online and in-person, Vegan Grocery Shopping Tours of local co-ops and markets designed to teach you how to shop vegan, educational Online Workshops, a Vegan Mentor program, Vegan Dine-Outs at local restaurants, and ARC’s MN Vegan Guide – an online resource for being vegan in Minnesota.
Upcoming Vegan University cooking classes, shopping tours, and workshops are posted on our calendar, Vegan Meetup and Facebook page. You can also find Vegan University at farmers markets all across the Twin Cities including Midtown, Mill City, Northeast, Minneapolis, East Isles, Linden Hills, Kingfield, Bloomington, Riverwalk and more!
We host Easy Peasy Vegan Cooking Classes at local co-ops and community centers, have a YouTube library of our Feed Me Vegan and Rhymes with Vegan cooking shows, and organize a Vegan Community Circle discussion group on Slack where we offer support and ideas about challenges you might be facing.
Check out the latest Easy Peasy Plant-Based Cheese Class on Vegan University’s Facebook page.
Vegan Grocery Shopping Tours
If you’re new to or curious about veganism, sign up for one of our free guided Vegan Grocery Shopping Tours, which are led by experienced vegans. You’ll learn how to shop vegan, get tips for reading labels, discover products you may have overlooked in the past, and have your questions about veganism answered.
Online Workshops
Well then, come on out to a free Help! I’m Going Vegan workshop and get your vegan on! We’ll answer any questions you have about going – and staying – vegan. The workshop addresses everything from environmental concerns to animal rights, to the impact going vegan might have on interpersonal relationships. After the workshop, if you choose, you’ll have the chance to get set up with one of our many helpful vegan mentors.
If you’re vegan, how many times have you been asked, “Where do you get your protein?” Too many times to count we’re guessing. If you’re interested in learning how to answer this question or more information about vegan nutrition in general, join us for a free Plant-based Nutrition workshop. You’ll learn how to get nutrients such as protein, B12, Omega 3, calcium, and iron, and we’ll also discuss healthful ways to incorporate color and variety in your diet. After the workshop you’ll be able to make not only ethically sound but also health-conscious choices about what you eat.
Curious about raising vegan kids but unsure how to meet their nutritional needs? Join our Vegan Nutrition for Families workshop! Learn how to introduce a variety of colorful, nutrient-rich foods, navigate picky eating, and confidently address questions from schools and pediatricians. You’ll leave with practical tips, expert guidance, and take-home resources to help you raise a happy, healthy vegan family with ease!
Have you ever been confused about what vegan recipes to make or wanted to learn new tricks for storing your produce? We’ll give you tips on shopping, discuss smoothies versus juicing, and give you a seven-day meal guide in our Vegan Meal Planning workshop. Plus, we’ll discuss looking at vegan nutrition from a holistic perspective and come up with a comprehensive list of salads and sandwiches for on-the-go people.
Whether you’re a student, a parent raising a family on a tight budget, or someone just trying to save a buck, a vegan lifestyle can be a money-saver as well as a lifesaver. We’ll give you cost-effective shopping and meal ideas that are sure to please in our Vegan on a Budget workshop.
Ever wondered why plant-based education and vegan information aren’t mainstream? Want to uncover the truth about corruption in the U.S. food system? Join us for the Organics & the Food System workshop, where we’ll explore how our food system evolved into what it is today, the hidden forces shaping consumer choices, and how to decode food labels to make informed decisions. This eye-opening, two-hour workshop is packed with valuable information you won’t want to miss!
Vegan Mentor Program
If you’d like a Vegan Mentor of your very own, ARC will match you with one of our volunteer mentors who will help you make the transition to a healthy, compassionate life as easy as possible. Fill out an application online or stop by our office, check out the mentor bios, and then choose a mentor who best suits you. Your mentor will contact you with information about events and opportunities related to your interests and will be available to you as a resource for any challenges you face in transitioning to a vegan diet. The relationship can be as active or casual as you choose. Going vegan has never been easier or more fun! This is a free service and it’s only available through the Animal Rights Coalition so sign up today!
Dine-Outs
Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just exploring plant-based eating, our Dine-Outs are open to everyone! Held at vegan-friendly restaurants, these gatherings are a great way to meet likeminded people and enjoy amazing plant-based food. Don’t miss out—spots fill up fast! Sign up on Meetup and come grab a meal with us.
ARC MN Vegan Guide
Discover the ultimate resource for vegans in Minnesota! ARC’s MN Vegan Guide is your go-to online hub for all things vegan—whether you’re looking for delicious restaurants and pop-ups, inspiring documentaries, easy-to-make recipes, or local animal sanctuaries to visit. Plus, explore helpful insights on vegan living to make your journey even easier. Everything you need to thrive as a vegan in Minnesota is just a click away!
VegKins
VegKins is ARC’s social networking program for families raising vegan children. This program offers the opportunity to come together to exchange ideas and information with other parents and build a community of parents raising compassionate kids. For upcoming events, follow VegKins on Facebook or Meetup.
Why Vegan University?
Instead of expecting people to make far reaching changes in their lives based on a one-time message or quick read of a leaflet, Vegan University connects with people on a deeper level. What makes Vegan University unique is that we not only provide easy access to reliable information, but we also support people interested in making the transition to veganism via mentoring, community, and ongoing social support. It’s vital that we help people with the “how” once they believe in the “why” and that’s exactly what ARC does through Vegan University.
What People are Saying About Vegan University
“I follow the Vegan University Facebook page religiously – you guys have the best vegan outreach info and events! You do such a good job with starter information and classes and grocery tours! I love it!”
– Hannah
“We really enjoyed our tour and filled up a shopping cart the next day. Until this week, we claimed being 3/4 vegetarian but after touring with you we’re going full vegan.”
– Cliff and Gloria
“This was incredibly informative and fun. The workshop leader knows what she is talking about and had answers for all our questions.”
– Marty
“I decided to overhaul my diet and lifestyle and ‘go vegan’ – cold turkey. The most difficult part of this transition has been educating myself, as I’ve definitely made plenty of rookie mistakes at the grocery store! I’ve purchased soy cheese, not knowing what casein was until I got home and looked it up. I’ve been duped by clever packaging, only to get home and find out my supposedly vegan food contained ‘dehydrated egg whites.’ These are exactly the rookie mistakes that this experience addresses! I found this grocery shopping tour to be extremely valuable. I’d do it again, for sure…”
– Derek