CalciumDeficiency

Maybe so. I typically will provide something like falafel/bhaji/spiced chickpeas with hummus in a wrap, but in situations I've helped with event planning for, there has always been a significant proportion of the party who are either religious vegetarians or have other dietary restrictions. If veganism isn't as common where you are, you wouldn't think about it I suppose

That's interesting, I suppose meat being so culturally important would definitely make substitutes feel essential, and if they're so much more expensive veganism can quickly feel like a privileged stance

I can see why not having vegan options at gatherings is frustrating, tbh. For the same reason not having halal or kosher options is also frustrating if you are going to invite guests with those restrictions. Providing a decent vegan option is easy and nonvegans can also eat it, plus you can easily make it a catch-all option for gf folk as well. I wouldn't throw a fuss about it, or post about it online, but I always try to make sure there's a vegan option when bringing snacks in for the kids at school for example (I'm a highschool teacher) so everyone can participate

By vegan stuff do you mean things like meat replacements? My diet is mostly vegetarian, for the same reasons as you stated, and honestly I see zero appeal in things like Beyond products, but I also think they're totally unnecessary. When I've done Veganuary in the past, I tend to eat a lot of whole foods (tofu, legumes, beans, fruit and veg) and here in the UK that is cheaper than eating meat. But, I know the economic model for the US is quite different so I wouldn't be surprised if things like chicken were cheaper than tofu or Seitan

I think there's nothing wrong with explaining your ideas and why you believe them to those willing to listen, but I can see why pushy activism for any cause can get annoying quickly. There are often Jehovah's witnesses outside my local supermarket, for example, but they only give you a pamphlet if you specifically approach them

Similarly I used to think cows just produced milk for us naturally and we had to milk them or they'd explode when I was a kid. Boy was I in for a shock when I realised what mammals are and that cows need to be pregnant to lactate like any other