Welcome to The Friendly Feast!
My name is Kate Veltkamp and I am a plant-based chef and photographer living in Chattanooga, TN. It’s been nearly 13 years since I decided to go vegan and in that time, I have dedicated myself to making delicious food without meat or dairy.
My partner, Scott, and my two kids, Emery and Finn, have joined me on this journey and are my eager taste testers. We are all thriving while living a plant-based lifestyle and it brings me so much joy to share my tips, tricks, and recipes with readers!
My Philosophy
I understand that most people aren’t going to go completely vegan, and that is okay. I also believe that there is no such thing as a completely cruelty-free vegan. I believe there is room for all of us at the table. For me personally, it’s about doing the least harm I can in my life, but I also understand there are nuances. Simply put, no one is perfect and that shouldn’t be anyone’s goal.
Instead, my aim here is to show you more ways you can enjoy plant-based meals, rely less on animal-based products, incorporate more vegetables into your life, and make a positive impact on the planet and within yourself.
And with my recipes, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything because you’ll be too distracted by how good your meals taste!
In my local community, you can catch me running a vegan (and vegan-curious) Facebook community, hosting gatherings, and teaching cooking classes. Experiencing community with like-minded folks is so important! If you are curious about veganism, I definitely recommend seeking out similar groups of people to connect with. I know that I would have struggled with this lifestyle change had I not enjoyed the privilege of connecting with and leading my local community.
So pull up a chair to my table. I’m glad you’re here. 🙂