How to Thrive as a Vegan in a Small Town

I didn’t grow up with vegan restaurants on every corner—I learned to figure things out myself. And honestly, going vegan in a small town turned out to be easier than I expected. I started by cooking a few reliable dishes and using the internet to fill in the gaps. It’s really that simple.

So here are some tips and tricks from one small-town person to another:

Start a Vegan Community or Join an Existing One

There may be a local vegan group on social media for your town and the surrounding areas. If not, you could make your own! Start by adding family and friends who are vegan, vegan curious, or just looking to add more plants to their meals. Then, you can grow your group through grocery store bulletin boards, church newsletters, social posts, and word of mouth.

In my favorite local vegan Facebook group, we share recipes, discuss local restaurant options, and exchange tips. It is particularly handy to know where the vegan food options are during the summertime, when food trucks and farmers’ markets are in full swing.

Use Search Tools to Find Vegan Food

When I first went vegan, I relied on Google and HappyCow to map out nearby vegan eats. Some finds surprised me, like the vegan bakery 20 minutes away.

When traveling or in a rush, I lean on PETA’s vegan fast-food guide. And ChatGPT comes in handy for recipe brainstorming.

Check Restaurants Before Going

If a restaurant doesn’t have an online menu, a quick call can make all the difference. Chefs often want to help, and some even have secret vegan dishes ready to whip up. Asking ahead gives them time to prepare something vegan.

Big Grocery Chains and Simple Ingredients

My local stores have a vegan section and stock products like Beyond Meat and JUST Egg, even though I’m from a smaller town. If yours does not, call and ask, as stores often stock what customers request.

There is an abundance of recipes to make without a vegan section, as many foods—especially healthy ones—are “accidentally” vegan. I make most of my meals with easy-to-find ingredients like beans, rice, veggies, pasta, and tofu. These foods are vegan staples.

One of my favorite crowd-pleasing dishes with simple ingredients is vegan mac and cheese. It’s warm, comforting, and reminds me that a cow’s milk was never ours to take and is simply unnecessary.

Shop Vegan Stores Online

Vegan Essentials, Walmart, and Amazon deliver straight to my door. Purple Carrot is also a good option for learning how to make vegan dishes when you are new. They even have frozen meals and snacks.

Subscription Boxes

Vegancuts gives me something fun to look forward to each month. It keeps my routine feeling fresh!

Share Vegan Joy With Friends

I love making vegan dishes for holidays, family gatherings, and other special occasions. Some of the dishes that were well-received included tofu ricotta shells, vegan chili, and vegan meatballs. I love telling friends and family how to make these items at home, knowing that every meal without fish, meat, dairy, and eggs helps animals.

Small Towns Are Big Opportunities

Every time I ask for vegan options, connect with neighbors, or share a meal, I plant a vegan seed. I’ve watched attitudes shift, menus expand, and curiosity grow. My story proves that movements don’t need big cities—they just need someone to care. Let that someone be you!

If you are a new vegan—or have a friend or family member who is vegan curious—order your free vegan starter kit today.

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