MANHATTAN—The provocative question of raising a child on a fully vegan diet will be a topic on tap at the upcoming U.S. Veg Corp-sponsored Little Apples event, on Saturday, October 19, 1-4 p.m., at the Essex Market on the Lower East Side. The event is presented in conjunction with Riverdel Cheese, the premiere vegan vendor of the new Essex Market.

 

In addition to innovative munching--plant-based cheeses and gluten-free crackers, chocolate hazelnut milk, and more--, a child-friendly play space, and time for mingling, the event will feature presentations by two vegan authorities, seeking to answer the question: Can you raise healthy children on a fully vegan diet?

 
Karin Gibson, a registered dietitian and plant-based nutrition coach, will present an overview of children's nutrition from ages 0-5 and then answer audience questions. Gibson earned her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and has a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell University. She is also a mom to a toddler and pregnant with her second baby. She currently lives in New York City where she runs her private practice, called Grazing Greens.

 
And Marisa Miller Wolfson, the director of the acclaimed documentary Vegucated, will offer a hands-on cooking demo featuring breakfast parfaits with caramel sauce and confetti sprinkles. Wolfson is a mother of two. She is also the co-author of the forthcoming cookbook, The Vegucated Family Table.
 
Organizer Sarah Feoli said the purpose of the event is to build community. “As a new vegan mom myself, I have really come to value those times when I can meet up with like-minded parents and trade advice and tips on feeding these little humans,” she said. “Little Apples events are designed to make plant-based eating accessible to all families and to create a supportive environment to forge bonds.”
 
But she stressed that one does not have to be a vegan to attend. “This event is open to the veg-curious all the way through the spectrum to the veg-for-life parents, and parents-to-be, and of course their little ones,” she said.