chicovegansurvivalguide-blog

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Chico Vegan Survival Guide

     Chico CA- College students rejoice, Chico can offer you some tasty vegan-friendly treats. Chico is a college town located in the Northern Sacramento Valley, it is home to California State University Chico, and Bidwell Park the third largest municipal park in California. California State University Chico is the second oldest CSU campus. The City of Chico has molded over time to meet the needs of students, who play a large part in driving the local economy. It was not too long ago that finding vegan food options while eating out, seemed few and far between, however several locally owned restaurants now cater to this vegan/ vegetarian niche, it is only a matter of locating them. Not to mention the fact that Northern California is a hub for agriculture, making local and fresh food a real possibility.

    Being a college student come with its own set of challenges including managing time and, finances now add trying to figure out a vegan lifestyle. There are plenty of students, at Chico State in the same boat struggling, to find parking on campus and dealing with the funky food served at Sutter Dining Hall.  “I ate at Sutter when I lived in the dorms freshman year. They didn't have too many vegan options back then, but they did have a solid amount of vegetarian options” says Nicole a senior at Chico State. With the rise in plant based lifestyles, college dining halls too have had to adjust their menus in order to better serve students living a plant based lifestyle. According to Peta in 2011, about 5% of the population in the United States identified as vegetarians, and half of these individuals are also vegan, this number is only expected to increase. So, what is a vegan? In short veganism is defined as “a strict vegetarian who consumes no animal by products (such as meat, eggs, or dairy products.)

    When it comes to a quote-on-quote healthy diet, college students often joke about eating nothing but pizza or Top Ramen, nevertheless the cost of food is a constant factor in purchasing decisions for college students across the board. Veganism contrary to popular belief can and should be affordable. “Grocery shopping as a vegan is super affordable, rice, beans, fruits, veggies, and grains are all- reasonably priced” says Elcid who is part of the Chico State Nutrition Program, however “getting more organic produce can be expensive.” Nicole has been eating vegan for about a year, “I feel I spend the same amount on groceries as my non-veggie friends” she shares.

    Dining out with friends, may be one of the most intimidating events for vegans. Animal products seem to sneak their way into so many foods, such as foods fried with lard or ingredients disguised with names like gelatin, animal products are everywhere. Tea Bar is a Chico Favorite with two locations one near the Butte College Campus and another in the Downtown Chico area it is a perfect spot to grab a meal and a drink. Although teas are their specialty their menu boasts vegan items like, miso soup, hummus, fresh baked Naan bread, and warm edamame. Their bowls and wraps provide filling and nutritious options, including grilled ginger tofu and a variety of grains and salad options.

“    Gogi’s is my top spot because of the vegan dishes. I love Indian food and that particular cuisine has the tastiest vegan food. I usually order the tofu curry masala. The couple that owns the restaurant uses all local and organic produce as well.” Says Elcid with 10 months as a vegan under his belt. Gogi’s Café is located only 1 block away from the CSU Chico campus, making it the perfect place to drop by in-between classes. Gogi’s promises delicious Indian food that is fast, healthy and authentic. Lucky for vegan’s Indian cuisine is known for its use of delicious curries full of legumes, and other vegetables. This downtown restaurant, offers a variety of Indian classics, such as Chana Masala, and Aloo Gobi year-round. When asked about the cost of eating at Gogi’s Elcid mentioned “I believe the pricing is perfect. I pay 10$ for a hefty amount of food. Gogi’s also has a student meal that’s only 6$! “

    Pho is a popular Vietnamese soup, that contains rice noodles and a variety of toppings often steak or shrimp. Traditionally Pho broth is made with beef bones, and may include fish sauce for added flavor. Most vegans will not consume any broth that contains or is made with animal products, posing an issue for Pho lovers. The Noodle House and Everyday Vietnamese Cuisine are two local restaurants that offer a tofu noodle soup in a vegan friendly vegetable based broth.

    “Fresh Twisted Cafe is my favorite place to go out- the vegan cream cheese is so good. They also make great burrito bowls with soyrizo” Nicole shares. Fresh Twisted Café is locally owned and operated and is located on Eaton Road in North Chico. This café offers a diverse menu including breakfast items, savory bowls and fresh smoothies. The local grub spot is open seven days a week, and does a great job at catering to the vegan niche, offering vegan soyrizo as a meat substitution on almost any menu item. The menu ranges from breakfast burritos, to sandwiches, burgers and hearty soups. The menu is set up so that a customer can build anything to meet their needs, including gluten free options.

    The latest vegan friendly spot to open in Chico is OM Foods, located in the Safeway shopping center on West Sacramento. Its pop up location makes it a great place to stop by and grab a bite anytime during the week. Om foods offers local seasonal vegan and organic lunch. Their non-GMO vegan bowls and nachos are a fan favorite. The menu has something for everyone, including vegan tacos, tempeh burgers and wraps as well as a vegan BLTA. You can grab ½ a taco salad or nachos and a drink for only 7 dollars, thanks to their student special. Om Foods is locally owned and opened its doors, just last year.

There are also several chain restaurants in the Chico area that provide vegan options, Taco Bell for example can substitute meat with black beans, on any regular menu item. In 2015 Taco Bell launched its certified vegan menu, with recipes certified by the American Vegetarian Association (AVA). This is a big step for the fast food industry, the reality is most fast food chains only offer a few vegan friendly options, potentially excluding customers and overall costing the company revenue. The Taco Bell vegan menu includes, a Cantina Powered Veggie Bowl, a Double Tostada, and a 7 Layer Burrito. Taco Bell is a very affordable option, for vegan college students. Chipotle is another chain restaurant that offers a variety of vegan options. Any of their burritos or burrito bowls can be made vegan. Sofritas are a popular vegan menu item, they can only be described as braised tofu with poblano and chipotle peppers. Chipotle offer’s free guacamole on any veggie bowl- excluding the Sofritas. Most of their menu items including the tortillas, vegetables, rice, beans, chips, salsa, and guacamole are 100% vegan.

“Take advantage of the Wildcat pantry!” says Nicole. The wildcat food pantry is located in Kendall Hall, Room 110, and is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm. The wildcat food pantry often offers fresh veggies grown on the university farm, or donated by community member’s. The Pantry is a confidential zone, without judgment, and is ran by the honor system without validation of need. The Wildcat Food Pantry is available to any Chico State undergraduate or graduate student who is experiencing food insecurity. It is estimated that about 40% of Chico State students suffer from food insecurity. The Wildcat Food pantry aims to provide delicious, and nutritious food, for any students in need. There are plenty of reasons to explore vegan food as a college student for example, it can be very affordable when on a tight budget, not to mention the benefits of increasing one’s overall fruit and vegetable consumption.

As more people turn to plant based lifestyles, maintaining a vegan diet is becoming simpler, even for broke college students. Except when there’s free burgers on campus and you cannot have any, because they never bring out any veggie burgers. With that said The Marketplace located inside the Bell Memorial Union (BMU), on campus offers salad bowls, very similar to those prepared at Tea Bar, pairing grains and tofu with mixed greens and vegan friendly dressings. “The best thing about being a vegan college student is connecting with other vegans and non-vegans in a college environment. I’m into bodybuilding and majority of the people in my sub culture consume animal products. Once I tell them I’m vegan, they get shocked and become intrigued with my lifestyle. It gives me an opportunity to preach about veganism and its overall benefits to our health and environment” Elcid shared.  Chico is a great place for foodies, there is a variety of ethnic, and classic American food joints to satisfy anyone’s cravings, remember you do not have to be vegan to enjoy a vegan friendly meal.