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Changes

Vegetarian Times, Nov, 2001 by Valorie Griffith Weaver

Every now and then, you're allowed to hold something that's really special, and even though you know you have to give it back eventually, that almost enhances the pleasure. It could be a friend's puppy, or the first edition of a rare book or an heirloom orchid. Or in my case, this magazine.

Thanks to one of those changings of the guard that happen at all publications, I've been allowed to hold Vegetarian Times for the last three months. My job: to fill the gap between its recently departed editor, Suzanne Gerber, and its about-to-arrive new one, Laurel Lund--familiar to many of you as the founding editor of Natural Home and editor-in-chief of Delicious Living--who's moving halfway across the country to work here.

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Being entrusted with VT, as it's known in the hallways, really means being entrusted not only with a terrific magazine and staff but with you, its readers. You're a diverse, fascinating group that has quietly changed this country. Because what used to be seen as an offbeat bunch of people, prone to soaking beans and wearing Birkenstocks, has moved into the forefront. Vegetarianism has become mainstream and vegetarian food, quite sophisticated.

VT's readers have led this upheaval and as a group mirror the changing face of vegetarianism in America. About half of you are vegetarians (some less strict, some more). The other half are considering becoming vegetarians, or are part-time vegetarians who simply find it an intelligent, delicious way to eat, or just cook for vegetarians. There are a lot of moms in this last group, preparing meals for the growing number of vegetarian kids. (That's a grassroots phenomenon in itself.)

No matter where you fall on this spectrum, you've had a major impact. More and more Americans are shifting toward a vegetarian way of eating. More and more chefs, as well as home cooks, turn out fabulous vegetarian dishes. More and more people buy organic foods. More and more restaurants and groceries consider organic, vegetarian offerings a staple. So more and more organic businesses are thriving. It's a potent circle.

When I took charge of VT, however temporarily, I did what you always do when you're given something to hold--puppy, orchid or publication. I looked at it with fresh, excited eyes and tried to stimulate it, nourish it and help it grow. But simultaneously, I also realized that I'd met up with an irresistible force: you. Nice work. Thanks for letting me be part of it.

Changes

Vegetarian Times, Nov, 2001 by Valorie Griffith Weaver

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