GILBERT, Ariz. — Local vegan Robbie Hughes created a lasagna using only $100 in ingredients, proving that a plant-based diet is possible for everyone no matter their income level, sources close to the smart shopper confirmed.
“With a bit of planning, creativity, and your parents’ credit cards, eating more sustainably doesn’t have to break the bank,” said Hughes. “For the cost of one month’s groceries at a regular supermarket, you can buy almost a week’s worth of vegan food. And since you get hungry 10 minutes after every meal, nothing goes to waste — it’s a win-win. I’m not sure why everybody isn’t doing this.”
Hughes’ girlfriend shares his love of authentic plant-based dishes, and feels that with just a few small lifestyle adjustments, more people could afford to go vegan.
“Eating a lasagna made from hazelnut ricotta, faux duck sausage, and noodles made from wheat harvested by hand by Moby isn’t just for the rich,” said girlfriend Shannon O’Connor. “Yeah, we’re probably going to be late on the rent, and I’m going to have to sell my eggs again to that fertility clinic, but it’s all worth it. We were going to try to buy some of the Impossible meat to really take this to the next level, but I couldn’t get a bank loan in time. Oh, well.”
Samantha Windsong of the Sedona Institute of Veganism offered some advice for those who want a vegan diet but may be on a budget.
“There’s so many ways to save money — for example, why go to the supermarket when you can purchase a few acres of land and grow your own organic vegetables? Sure, you live in the city and farming seems out of reach, but you can always hire people to hand-deliver that food to you daily,” said Windsong. “If that’s too much of a stretch, just rent the apartment next to you and install hydroponic closets to grow your own produce right at home. Easy as vegan pie.”
However, the couple admitted they’re frustrated that their commitment to a cruelty-free lifestyle goes unnoticed.
“Our neighbors still invite us to barbeques, and even though I’ve told my parents a thousand times, my mom still cooks bacon when we visit,” said Hughes. “At least when we go to the animal sanctuary we get a head nod from the cows. They know — and that’s all that really matters.”