The folks behind Vegani in Viaggio website for vegans later this year will undertake a Route 66 journey for a documentary-reality series Italy.
The folks behind the website are Roberto Rossi (graphic designer, photographer, writer, blogger and traveler for passion and profession), Barbara Redaelli (personal trainer, an expert on vegan culture, healthy living and vegetable cuisine) and Andrea Schincaglia (marketing manager and founder of Reporter Live Tour Operator).
Rossi also published a book about Route 66 in his native Italy; it has been distributed around the world in an English edition, as well.
They stated in a recent email:
Our aim is both to make everyone aware of the possibilities of vegan and eco-friendly travel, and to bring vegan culture and the products of the brands linked to this constantly growing universe around the world. […]
We would like for 2020, to make a new journey on Route 66 to bring vegan culture on a journey with us, not only that related to the culinary aspect, but also to the use of commonly used products without animal parts or derivatives, and cars electric or hybrid.
During this exciting journey, we would like to create a docu-reality, using a professional, various posts and promotional material, a second edition of the book “Route 66 the American myth” and thanks to the partnership with the VeganOK Network, broadcast the episodes of our documentary-reality through their channels throughout Italy.
The Route 66 trip also will be documented on various social media, YouTube, its website and email list.
“We have two objectives, first to make everyone fall in love with Route 66 and, second, as vegans, to give information, advice and suggestions about following a conscientiously chosen lifestyle.”
The Vegani in Viaggio is looking for partners or collaborations for their endeavor; more information may be found here.
The exploration of Route 66’s vegan dining options is an idea whose time has come. Questions about it are increasingly common on Facebook and various other internet boards.
Longtime Route 66 fans also know one of the Mother Road’s most beloved figures, the late artist Bob Waldmire, was an outspoken vegan. In fact, when I mentioned it in an email, Rossi replied: “The late Bob Waldmire is a source of inspiration for me ;)”
A vegan blogger posted her adventures on Route 66 last year. Another one also posted created an extensive website about their journey.
This Forbes report from 2018 details the growth in vegan lifestyles:
The number of U.S. consumers identifying as vegan grew from 1% to 6% between 2014 and 2017, a 600% increase, according to GlobalData. That’s still a pretty small portion of the total, but other data reveal growing interest in plant-based foods by consumers who don’t consider themselves vegetarian or vegan.
Sales of plant-based alternatives to animal-based foods including meat, cheese, milk and eggs grew 17% over the past year, while overall U.S. food sales rose only 2%, according to data from Nielsen and the Good Food Institute. The market for such foods totaled more than $3.7 billion.
Restaurants that ignore vegan customers are doing so increasingly at their peril.
(Image from the Red Curry Vegan Kitchen, a restaurant in Flagstaff, Arizona, close to Route 66)
“Our aim is both to make everyone aware of the possibilities of vegan and eco-friendly travel, and to bring vegan culture and the products of the brands linked to this constantly growing universe around the world.”
My geography master would have something to say about “this constantly growing universe around the world.”
I am guessing that they won’t be trying the Big Texan 72 ounce Steak Challenge…
The Loaded Bowl is vegan. It’s a food truck based in the Farmers Market. I hope they can visit it.
Soy you say!