Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to support these establishments and advance local economic growth. This week, we take you to the Bronx Vegan Bazaar.

Broadway Stages cares about our neighborhoods and the people that live there. Earth Month gives us a great excuse to share ways you can work on a better you while positively impacting the ecosystem. One easy and indulgent way is to consider a plant-based diet. A plant-based diet has been shown to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. As a result, it reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. But doing so impacts much more than your personal bottom line. Animal agriculture generates over 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is responsible for 91% of the Amazon rainforest’s destruction. So, by reducing our dependence on animal agriculture, you are taking a step to make the whole world healthier. It’s certainly worth consideration!

This month, we have taken you to the GreenPot in Greenpoint, and Vodega on Staten Island, both of which serve up delicious vegan fare. This week we take you to the Bronx Vegan Bazaar, a premier vegan food festival in the heart of NYC. Making its home at the Andrew Freedman Home on the Grand Concourse, the Bazaar has a different focus each month.

“We decided to honor things that resonate with the Bronx community,” said co-founder Raidirys Rivas McCray. The theme this month honors Earth Month. May will be a throwback Bronx block party. And June will be Juneteenth-themed to give Black-owned businesses a spotlight.

The Bazaar offers a wide range of vendors with delectable vegan food options, from gourmet meals to delightful desserts. One vendor, Dez Mears, founder of “Who Made the Kale?” offers small plates featuring scallion mac and cheese with coconut rice, peas, curry cabbage, and smoked jerk jackfruit. He also serves Szechuan jackfruit with broccoli and fried rice.

“I wouldn’t sell anything I wouldn’t eat,” said Mears. “It’s about putting love in the food.” Eating well was never so easy or satisfying!

Plan your visits to upcoming Bazaars on Wednesday, May 15, Saturday, May 18, and Saturday, June 15. For tickets, click here. Also, follow the Bazaar on Facebook and Instagram for more information and to feast your eyes before you get there! And if you are interested in helping the Bazaar grow and continue serving our community, your financial support goes a long way!

Broadway Stages knows a good thing when we see it, and the Bronx Vegan Bazaar is a great thing! If you are already a vegan or just interested in trying new food, check out the Bazaar. There is something for everyone. And when you get there, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!