Project Animal Freedom - Joplin, MO

05/15/2026

I’m finally getting a chance to sit down and go through the photos from our Plant Forward potluck last Tuesday, and I just had to share them. Looking back at these reminds me how lucky we are to have such a vibrant community here. 🌿💚

​A huge thank you to everyone who joined us! The energy was incredible, and the food was truly next level. From the homemade sides to the show-stopping BBQ Seitan Ribs, every dish proved that the "Real Food Revolution" is thriving right here. 🍴🔥

​It’s so inspiring to see everyone bringing their favorite plant-based recipes and sharing them with so much heart. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or it was your first time, you make this group what it is.

​Save the date for next month!
We’re planning our next gathering for the second Tuesday of the month—June 9th at 6:30 PM. We are currently scouting out the perfect venue for our next meet-up, so stay tuned for the location reveal soon! 📍🔭

​In the meantime, check out the spread from last week below. Which dish was your favorite? Let’s hear it in the comments! 👇🐾

05/07/2026

There is a huge victory unfolding in the world of food right now, and it’s a win for the animals, the planet, and our health! 🌍✨

​We are seeing a massive shift as more people move away from "ultra-processed" products and lean back into the beauty of real, whole foods. The "Real Food Revolution" is officially here, and at the center of it all is the humble mushroom. 🍄

​Instead of laboratory-made ingredients, people are reaching for "whole-cut" proteins made from fungi and mushroom roots. These aren't just delicious; they are a game-changer for our bodies. Because they are minimally processed, they are packed with natural fiber and nutrients that support heart health and gut wellness.

​When we choose the simple power of plants exactly as nature intended, we aren't just lowering our impact on animal cruelty, we are showing the world that a kinder lifestyle is also a healthier, more sustainable one. It’s so inspiring to see the "truth" of plant-based nutrition finally taking center stage! 🕊️🐾

​What’s your favorite way to use mushrooms or whole plants in your meals lately?

48K likes, 2.6K comments. "How I make the juiciest STEAKS"

04/20/2026

🌱 It is always a good time at Plant Forward!

​If you haven’t joined us yet, this is a free community event that happens on the second Tuesday of every month. It’s all about connecting, sharing great food, and showing how delicious a kinder lifestyle can be.

😋 ​Next Month’s Theme: Vegan BBQ Potluck!

🗓 ​When: Second Tuesday of the month
6:30PM - 8:30PM

🧭 McNab Wellness - 2650 E 32nd Street Ste 101, Joplin, MO, United States, Missouri 64804

💚 ​The Mission: Bring your favorite vegan dish to share!

🐦​ The Inside Scoop: A little birdie told me there will be Ribless BBQ Seitan Ribs on the table... and trust me, you don’t want to miss out on these.

📸​ I’m dropping a "sneak peek" preview of those ribs in the comments so you can see what’s waiting for you!

🕊️ ​Whether you’ve been vegan for 10 years or you’re just curious about plant-based eating, our doors are open. We can't wait to see you there! ✨

04/02/2026

If you’ve been vegan for a while, you know the feeling. You’re just trying to enjoy your meal, and suddenly the "Big Questions" start rolling in. It usually starts with a curious look, and then the hypothetical scenarios begin:

​🏝️ "What if you were stranded on a desert island?" (The classic!)
🌾 "What about the field mice killed in plant farming?"
🦌 "If we don't hunt, won't the deer overpopulate and starve?"
💪 "But... where do you get your protein?"

​In the beginning, these questions can feel frustrating, even a bit degrading. It can feel like people are searching for a "gotcha" moment to make their own choices feel more comfortable. But over the last 10 years, I’ve realized something: Every one of these questions is actually an open door. 🚪

​When someone brings up deer overpopulation or hunting, they are often acknowledging—maybe for the first time—that humans have disrupted the natural balance. It’s an opportunity to talk about how we’ve removed natural predators and how "managing" nature with a gun is often just a band-aid on a system we broke. 🩹

​Taking the "red pill" and awakening to the reality of animal brutality is a hard pill to swallow. We’ve all been there. We all once wore that same veil of disconnection.😔

​That’s why our response matters so much. If we respond with judgment, we might "win" the argument, but we lose the person. It is important for us to remember that this isn't about us winning; it’s about the animals.🐾

😤 If they walk away feeling defensive, they might never entertain the idea of veganism again. But if we respond with love, dignity, and poise, we create a safe space for them to sit with that discomfort.

🤔 ​Maybe they won't change today. But we want the conversation ruminating in their mind to be one that felt positive and inviting. We want to lower our impact on cruelty, and part of that is being mindful of the energy we bring to these talks. 🫶

💁‍♀️​ So, I’m curious: Which of these "Big Questions" do you hear the most? How do you keep your cool and answer with grace so that others feel educated rather than judged?

​And as for that last question about the protein... I think this picture says it all! 😉👇🌱

03/17/2026

🏥The "Truth" about how we change the world🌿

​I’ve been following a story out of New York that just hit a major milestone this month, and it is a perfect example of a "systemic shift."

​For the longest time, if you were in the hospital and wanted a vegan meal, you had to ask for it as a "special request." But a few years ago, NYC hospitals flipped the script. They made plant-based meals the default choice. You can still get meat if you ask, but the "Chef’s Recommendation" is always plant-based.

​The results are finally in, and the numbers are staggering:

💚​ 2 Million Meals: They just served their 2 millionth plant-based meal this month! 🥗

💚 ​The "Flow" Effect: Before this, only 1% of patients chose the vegan option. Now? Over 50% stick with the plant-based default.

💚 ​Pure Satisfaction: Even though most of these patients aren't vegan, the satisfaction rate is over 95%. People aren't just "tolerating" it; they actually like it.

💚 ​Saving More than Lives: This one simple switch reduced food-related carbon emissions by 36% and even saved the hospitals money on every tray. 💸🌍

​It proves something I’ve realized over my 10 years being vegan: most people are actually happy to make the kinder choice—as long as we stop making it feel like a "difficult" or "special" one.

🕊️​When we change the system, the world follows.✨

03/11/2026

🌿 Way to go Kavya & Dean! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your delicious food! 💚

03/03/2026

I can’t believe it is already March! 🌿☀️

​I may not have the time to get a garden going myself this year but I know so many of you are already starting to think about it. I’ve been seeing a lot of talk about "planting season" starting this week and I wanted to pass along some tips I’ve heard for our area!

​Since we are in that tricky Southwest Missouri transition phase here is the word on the street:

​1. Plant the "Tough" Stuff: Right now is the time for things that don't mind the cold—like peas, spinach, and radishes. They can actually handle a little frost!

​2. Wait on the Rest: It’s tempting to grab those tomato plants when the sun comes out but I’ve heard it’s much safer to keep them inside for at least another month.

3. ​Prep Time: If you’re just getting started this is a great week to clear out your pots or beds so they’re ready when the real warmth hits.

​I would love to see what you guys are working on! For those of you who do have your hands in the dirt already what are you planting first?

Drop a photo or your best tip below! 🧑‍🌾🍅

02/14/2026

Animals have heart and they definitely have ours! ❤️🐾

​This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible spirits of our animal friends. They feel, they love, and they deserve a world of kindness. 🌍✨

​We want to hear from you! Share your favorite animal picture or a heartwarming animal story in the comments below! 👇🐶🐱🐷

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02/11/2026

Once again, a delicious meal! The Marry Me Tofu was excellent, and I can't wait to see everyone at either the Valentine's Dinner or the Valentine's Day Lunch coming up at Vino Noir. Check out the menu and links in the comments!

Thank you to everyone who came out for Plant Forward at McNab Wellness last night. It was a pleasure cooking for everyone and sharing some culinary wizardry. I appreciate all the support thus far for my fledgling food entrepreneurship. I promise even greater things to come, which reminds me...... Some fool issued a challenge last night and is looking for exciting new ideas. Any takers?
PS - Yes, I am the fool in question hehehe

02/09/2026

Tired of the Valentine’s Day "side dish" dinner? 🥂✨

​We love our usual go-tos like a vegan curry at Magic Noodle or some sofritas at Chipotle. You can even make an Olive Garden menu work for you in a pinch, but for a truly special date night, you deserve a meal that was actually designed for you! 💖🐾

​Treat yourself to an elevated experience! Our friends at Vino Noir are hosting a beautiful 3-course plant-based experience prepared by Chef Michael Thomas of Crashing Wave Culinary.

​This is more than just a delicious dinner—it's a way to extend your love to the animals by choosing a meal filled with compassion. Your taste buds and the animals will thank you! 🥘🌿

​🌹 Thursday Dinner: Feb 12th @ 6:30 PM
☀️ Saturday Lunch: Feb 14th @ 1:00 PM

​Check out the shared post below to grab your tickets before they’re gone! 🎟️✨

​ 💚