Vegetarian group plans expansion in Aiken area

AIKEN --- You won't see them chewing the fat over dinner, but they do often go out to eat for social gatherings and now have plans to grow their base into Aiken.

The CSRA Vegetarian Society was formed in January 2007, and it has grown from a handful of members to more than 100 like-minded people who adhere to what they call a "plant-based diet."

"Our organization is moving in the direction to become an integral part of the local community, one day hoping to become a community-based support group offering lectures, workshops and participation in annual 'meatouts,' " said Sean Woods, who formed the group.

His group has been eyeing the Aiken area, hoping to establish a "subgroup" there.

"We decided to start organizing events in Aiken so our members from the area didn't have to drive so far to attend events," he said.

Members hold monthly potlucks and meet at restaurants for dinner, exchanging recipes and sharing information about grocery stores and other vegetarian offerings around town.

But the group isn't just about eating. It is also focusing on community outreach, wanting to hold fundraisers for such organizations as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"In the next few months, we're going to be working with the Aiken SPCA, raising money and supplies for them and setting up volunteers to help out with the organization," Mr. Woods said.

The group also plans to take its message out into the community in hopes of reaching people who aren't sure about becoming a vegetarian but are interested.

"We are in the process of scheduling a lecture with a local doctor about the health benefits of plant-based diets at the downtown (Augusta) library in September," Mr. Woods said. The event will take place at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 26.

"Eventually, we'd like to start scheduling workshops and seminars to educate the community about vegetarianism," he said.

To join, go to the Web site www.meetup.com/csravs or e-mail csravegetariansociety@gmail.com, or contact Mr. Woods at (706) 564-1314 or anagarika667@gmail.com.

Reach Preston Sparks at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.

VEGETARIAN TERMS

PESCATARIAN: Doesn't eat meat other than fish

FLEXITARIAN: Eats a mostly vegetarian diet but occasionally eats meat

OVO-LACTO VEGETARIAN: Doesn't eat meat but does consume egg and dairy products

VEGAN: Eats no meat, eggs, dairy or honey products

FRUITARIAN: Eats only fruit or fruitlike vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers; sometimes eats seeds and nuts.

Source: www.theveggietable.com