Cows and Kids to Scream for Vegan Ice Cream in Sarasota

For Immediate Release:
January 30, 2026

Contact:
Hannah Nelson 202-483-7382

PETA’s famous “I Scream” truck will dish out food for thought—and fabulous, delicious, dairy-free ice cream—on Main St. near the intersection with Lemon Ave on Sunday. The ice cream giveaway in Sarasota is one of many that the mobile parlor will host this week, as part of a nationwide campaign urging ice cream lovers everywhere to value mother cows and their babies (and allow lactose-intolerant kids to join in the fun).

People are rapidly ditching dairy out of concern for the animals, the planet, their own arteries (or Dad’s or Gramps’), or because they’re among the millions of Americans who cannot digest lactose, and shops already serving vegan ice cream are scooping up the rewards.  

“Vegan ice cream is the kind treat because a cow’s milk is made for her calf, not for humans,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “PETA’s cool caravan welcomes everyone to show compassion and choose only dairy-free delights that help keep all families together.”

Where:           On Main St. near the intersection with Lemon Ave

When:             Sunday, February 1, 12:00 p.m.

PETA’s “I Scream” truck will also be stopping at the William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library at 5:00 p.m. ahead of Monday Movie Night. 

Credit: PETA

Why:               Cows have friends and mourn when a loved one dies or when they’re separated from each other, yet in the dairy industry, female cows are forcibly impregnated and have their beloved calves stolen from them so the milk meant to nourish their babies can be sold to humans. Newborn males are slaughtered for veal, while female calves endure the same fate as their mothers until their bodies wear out and they’re sent to slaughter.

PETA notes that with an abundance of dairy-free ice creams available today—including decadent vegan flavors from Oatly, Breyer’s, Ben & Jerry’s, and more—it’s never been easier to opt for delicious desserts that let calves stay with their mothers. PETA’s free vegan starter kit—and guide to chains that offer vegan ice cream—can help anyone looking to make the switch.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kitsfor people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.