YSEARC hosts "Anti-Turkey" day in Kilcawley Center
Eric Grosso
Issue date: 11/22/05 Section: pageone
More than 45 million turkeys will be devoured on Thursday across the United States, with about six times that amount cooked throughout the year, according to CNN.
The Youngstown State Environmental and Animal Rights Coalition say consumers could lower the amount of these turkeys that were killed in inhumane ways by changing where they purchase their turkeys. They suggest other, more animal friendly, traditional Thanksgiving foods like stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.
The YSEARC passed out vegan holiday recipes, information on vegan nutrition, and literature detailing animal cruelty as part of their "Anti-Turkey" day on Monday in Kilcawley Center.
According to the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals literature, factory-farmed turkeys are forced to grow uncomfortably obese with growth hormones. They also live in cramped quarters on factory farms, where it is impossible for them to move. After having a portion of their beak removed with a hot blade, they are hung upside down, cut across the throat and then boiled, some still alive, according to PETA.
Dan Kuzma, YSEARC's adviser, said the event was designed to offer information on a vegetarian Thanksgiving and promote better treatment of animals.
"We just want to show people that there are other options available," Kuzma said, noting that simply buying turkeys from family farms rather than factory farms would be a huge contribution to the proper treatment of turkeys.
Members say the vegetarian recipes offered taste just as good as traditional holiday treats. Recipes included cheesecake, chocolate pie, cranberry bread, pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes and mushroom gravy.
YSU graduate student Jennifer Hanuschak said her lifestyle has made family dinners, especially Thanksgiving, somewhat difficult.
"Sometimes, it can get really awkward with no other vegetarians in the family," Hanuschak said.
Even though she said her family usually prepares more vegetable side dishes for her meal, Hanuschak resorts to on-line retailers for her vegan needs, buying products from Morningstar Farms and Turtle Island Foods. Hanuschak said she uses Turtle Island Foods frequently, ordering tofu turkey for the holidays.
The event was also aimed to help students handle the pressure of being part of a vegetarian Thanksgiving. "Practical" and "rational" were key words kept in mind by event organizers.
The YSEARC said they hope their laid-back approach will attract more people than staging a protest. Kuzma said handing out information and offering advice gets a much better response than intrusive measures, such as a protest.
For more information, visit www.veganoutreach.org or www.opposecruelty.org.
Contact Eric Grosso at (330) 941-3758
The Youngstown State Environmental and Animal Rights Coalition say consumers could lower the amount of these turkeys that were killed in inhumane ways by changing where they purchase their turkeys. They suggest other, more animal friendly, traditional Thanksgiving foods like stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.
The YSEARC passed out vegan holiday recipes, information on vegan nutrition, and literature detailing animal cruelty as part of their "Anti-Turkey" day on Monday in Kilcawley Center.
According to the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals literature, factory-farmed turkeys are forced to grow uncomfortably obese with growth hormones. They also live in cramped quarters on factory farms, where it is impossible for them to move. After having a portion of their beak removed with a hot blade, they are hung upside down, cut across the throat and then boiled, some still alive, according to PETA.
Dan Kuzma, YSEARC's adviser, said the event was designed to offer information on a vegetarian Thanksgiving and promote better treatment of animals.
"We just want to show people that there are other options available," Kuzma said, noting that simply buying turkeys from family farms rather than factory farms would be a huge contribution to the proper treatment of turkeys.
Members say the vegetarian recipes offered taste just as good as traditional holiday treats. Recipes included cheesecake, chocolate pie, cranberry bread, pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes and mushroom gravy.
YSU graduate student Jennifer Hanuschak said her lifestyle has made family dinners, especially Thanksgiving, somewhat difficult.
"Sometimes, it can get really awkward with no other vegetarians in the family," Hanuschak said.
Even though she said her family usually prepares more vegetable side dishes for her meal, Hanuschak resorts to on-line retailers for her vegan needs, buying products from Morningstar Farms and Turtle Island Foods. Hanuschak said she uses Turtle Island Foods frequently, ordering tofu turkey for the holidays.
The event was also aimed to help students handle the pressure of being part of a vegetarian Thanksgiving. "Practical" and "rational" were key words kept in mind by event organizers.
The YSEARC said they hope their laid-back approach will attract more people than staging a protest. Kuzma said handing out information and offering advice gets a much better response than intrusive measures, such as a protest.
For more information, visit www.veganoutreach.org or www.opposecruelty.org.
Contact Eric Grosso at (330) 941-3758
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