30 Days of Vegan (Day 18); and Food Network

Day 18.. is a day to pick on Food Network.

I realize there are other 'cooking' channels out there, but there's little argument that Food Network is the 'big daddy' of them all.

And here's the deal, I'm a complete Food Network addict; particularly the challenge shows. In my household, there are generally one of three channels on. CNN, ESPN (that's my husband's preference, of course), or Food Network.

I find it relaxing and entertaining to watch. From Chopped to Iron Chef.. to literally anything with Alton Brown. (I have a weird nerdy/comedian/genius crush on that man.. which is not my husband's preference.)

I also have a thing for Ted Allen.. but I know it wouldn't be mutual ;)

But I digress...

My point here, is that as much as I love Food Network, I've become a bit disengaged.. since becoming a vegetarian.. and especially now, as a vegan.

In all my time watching shows on Food Network, I have yet to see one specific vegetarian/vegan challenge. A Google search revealed to me that there was one on a competing show; Bravo's Top Chef, but that the competitors complained about it and didn't embrace the challenge.

You'd think with an estimated 600 million vegetarians in the world, there would be a market for us on such these stations. Even meat eaters are claiming to eat less meat these days.. So it would stand to reason that they would also watch a show that demonstrates vegan meals from time to time.

I'm not asking for a vegan chef to have their own show (though, that'd be amazing). But could we at least get a couple episodes of Chopped where there aren't a bunch of random animal parts in that basket? Or that part of the challenge on Iron Chef is to not use any animal ingredients (I volunteer to be a judge on that episode)?

Food Network could be a voice for change, without actually 'pushing' anything. A few nods to veganism would make us less of an 'outside idea.' And clearly, they could prove to the masses that vegan food isn't boring or tasteless.

Come on, Food Network. We're here. We're hungry. And we're waiting.


Edit 7/4/12: After writing this blog, I started a petition at Change.org for Food Network to create some vegan/vegetarian shows and segments. To sign, click HERE.