I do a lot of work with surplus food, and it’s shown me a stark reality: we waste tons of food while many go hungry. This isn’t a production problem, it’s a distribution one. It's made me question the sometimes rigid moral stance of certain vegan cultures. I’m not saying veganism is wrong, but it’s not the only answer, and sometimes it oversimplifies complex issues. For my vegan friends, I urge you to stay curious and keep learning. You don’t have all the answers. And for everyone, let’s consider how our food choices impact the systems we rely on. Ultimately, shouldn't everyone have access to healthy food, and shouldn't our planet be sustainable? Let's amplify the voices of Indigenous peoples and people of color in these conversations. Yes, cutting meat consumption is often needed for the planet. But let’s be clear: I’m not defending unsustainable, industrial practices. Everything I write takes into account climate change and interconnectedness. The most ethical diet is an informed one. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Local factors matter. Imposing veganism can feel like dietary colonialism. Meat is a staple in many harsh environments. Equating industrial meat production with traditional Indigenous practices is harmful. There's a huge difference between wasteful industrial practices and using every part of an animal in traditional butchery. Consider the history of BBQ; indentured Black servants used Taino methods to prepare and preserve discarded scraps. Hyper-consumption of meat is often linked to machismo and colonial history. And what about insects? Many cultures embrace them as nutritious and sustainable, but Western veganism often shuns them. Why? Perhaps it’s tied to fear-mongering. If the food supply chain collapsed, many vegan staples would disappear quickly. Local food sovereignty is crucial. Plant-based diets are often better for the environment, but veganism can sometimes become green consumerism – thinking we can solve systemic problems just by buying the right products. Boycotts are useful tools but aren’t enough on their own. Political action is essential. Plus, let’s face it, voting with our dollars only works if you have dollars to spare. Meat, dairy, and grains are heavily subsidized by the government. Individual lifestyle changes won’t change these systems on their own. There are ethical issues within veganism too, like whether vegan plastic furs are really better than real furs. And then there's the reality of ethical dilemmas with specific foods: I once had delicious cashew yogurt, only to later learn about the exploitative labor practices involved in cashew production. Sometimes, less glamorous options are more ethical and accessible. “If it is inaccessible to the poor, it is neither radical nor revolutionary.” This quote resonates deeply. Ideally, I'd connect with local farmers for ethical, affordable food I can share with my community. Good food is vital, especially if you lack access to healthcare. It’s an investment in preventing illness. Let’s keep questioning and learning, together.