Food Sampling

Best Practices

Steps

Before the Event

During the Event

  • Place the VegFund required sign (color version or black and white version) on the food table. If using trays, attach the sign to the front of your tray. The sign has a QR code. Encourage people to scan this code with their smart phones so they can watch a video to learn the truth about meat/dairy production.
  • Display the product cartons/packages next to the food samples (e.g., Tofurky packaging, Almond Breeze cartons, etc). That way, people will know what to look for when they visit the grocery store.
  • Provide free vegan educational literature at your table/booth. Everyone who takes a sample should be given literature.
  • Take lots of photos! At a minimum, take photos of the COMPLETE table display (including food, literature, and required sign) and of people hovering around it. View examples of event photos.
  • Maintain a clean table and use gloves to serve food.
  • Smile! It goes a long way :)

After the Event

  • Log back into your VegFund account
  • Find the name of your application and click on "Complete" (toward the right-hand side of the page)
  • Scroll down the page a bit and you'll see the reimbursement form
  • Complete the brief review of your event, listing number of attendees, what you served, how it was received, and anything else you wish to add
  • Upload ITEMIZED receipts. Do NOT submit receipts containing personal items (non-VegFund)
  • Upload photos of the literature, signage, food samples, action at the table, etc. (it's best to copy and paste photos into a word document, and upload the word document)
  • Once complete, press "Submit"
  • Your application will be processed shortly, and you'll receive reimbursement within 30 days of submission
Checklist for Events

(Please note: Not all of the items on the list are reimbursed by VegFund. Refer to the FAQ for more information.)

  • Recruit volunteers/obtain everyone's contact information
  • Print directions to the event
  • Digital camera for taking required photos
  • Table/chairs/canopy
  • Tablecloth/banners
  • VegFund required sign (color version or black and white version)
  • Product packaging to display on the table
  • Tape/other supplies for affixing signs to table
  • Vegan educational literature
  • Literature display holders
  • VegPledge sign up form (optional, but encouraged--see FAQ)
  • Clipboard
  • Pens
  • Paperweights
  • Vegan food
  • Recipe cards if something is homemade
  • Disposable serving gloves
  • Serving supplies (for example, plates, cups, napkins, toothpicks)
  • Bowls/trays
  • Cooler with ice
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Waste basket and broom
Ideas & Tips
  • Have a checklist and go over it twice before the event.
  • Sign volunteers up for 2 hour shifts. They usually stay longer, but 3 hours is too long to expect them to work the table.
  • Don't let volunteers with lots of animals make food in their kitchen.
  • Get an attractive large sign.
  • Use a nice tablecloth.
  • Put the VegFund required sign (color version or black and white version) and the literature right next to the food, not off by itself and never on a separate table.
  • Put your samples on A TRAY, grab some leaflets, AND GET OUT FROM BEHIND YOUR TABLE!
  • When using trays, attach the VegFund required sign (color version or black and white version) to the front. The sign has a QR code. Encourage people to scan this code with their smart phones so they can watch a video to learn the truth about meat/dairy production.
  • Have a clipboard handy and get email addresses!
  • Wear clothing that is appropriate to the community/setting.
  • Everyone working the table MUST wear gloves.
  • Have your items clearly marked with a card beside the trays, like "Cashew Cheese" or "Tofu salad."
  • Display the product packaging next to the samples so people will know what to look for when they visit the grocery store.
  • Try not to talk to people over the food. If someone wants to talk, steer them away from the food.
  • Try to have a designated volunteer just for leafleting.
  • Give out recipes and when you run out, you'll have another excuse to collect emails.
  • Don't feel like you have to feed everyone. When your food is gone, either pack up and leave or continue leafleting.