Veganism and the Amish

Amber Justine | March 25, 2023

Posted in: Plant-Based, Uncategorized, Vegan Living, Vegan recipes

Tags: Amish, Vegan

South Central Pennsylvania County, Pennsylvania is a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque Amish countryside and rich cultural traditions. Visitors come from all over to experience the unique Amish way of life, including their food culture. However, as animal welfare advocates and vegans, it is important to acknowledge the animal abuse that often occurs in Amish communities and find ways to enjoy classic Amish favorites in a compassionate way.

The Amish community is known for their traditional way of life, but unfortunately, this often includes the exploitation and abuse of animals. In South Central Pennsylvania County, animal welfare activists have documented numerous cases of neglect, cruelty, and exploitation. Horses and dogs are the most commonly mistreated animals in Amish communities, and puppy mills are prevalent, with dogs being bred for profit with little regard for their welfare.

As animal activists or vegans, it is important to recognize the systemic animal abuse that exists in Amish communities and take action to protect these animals. This includes supporting legislative efforts to strengthen animal welfare laws and enforcement in areas with significant Amish populations. Additionally, individuals can take action by supporting local animal welfare organizations (like Animal Advocates of South Central PA, South Central Pennsylvania Farm Sanctuary, Peace Will Follow & Here With Us Farm Sanctuary) that work to rescue and rehabilitate abused animals, as well as promoting veganism as a compassionate lifestyle that recognizes the inherent value of all animals.

One way to enjoy Amish culture in a compassionate way is by making vegan versions of traditional Amish recipes. Many classic Amish dishes, such as pot pie, shoofly pie, and whoopie pies and even scrapple can be made without animal products, while still maintaining their traditional flavors and textures. By using plant-based ingredients, we can enjoy the same comforting and nostalgic dishes without contributing to the animal abuse that often occurs in Amish communities. At the end of this blog post The Sweet Botanist has shared a traditional style Amish recipe made love, plants & compassion.

In addition to veganizing traditional recipes, visitors can also support local vegan businesses that offer alternative options to traditional Amish fare. Many vegan and vegetarian restaurants and cafes have opened in the South Central Pennsylvania area, offering delicious and compassionate alternatives to the meat and dairy-heavy meals that are often associated with Amish food culture.

It is also important to engage in constructive dialogue with members of the Amish community and government to raise awareness of the cruelty and suffering that results from their outdated animal welfare practices. Education and awareness are key to promoting change and encouraging the Amish community to adopt more compassionate and humane animal welfare practices.

By making conscious and compassionate choices when it comes to Amish tourism and food culture, we can enjoy the unique experiences that South Central Pennsylvania has to offer while still prioritizing animal welfare. Whether it’s by veganizing traditional recipes, supporting vegan businesses, or promoting education and awareness about animal welfare, we can show that compassion and respect for all animals is an important aspect of cultural appreciation and tourism.

The Amish community is known for their traditional way of life, but unfortunately, this often includes the exploitation and abuse of animals. In South Central Pennsylvania County, Pennsylvania, where the Amish population is significant, animal welfare activists have documented numerous cases of neglect, cruelty, and exploitation.

One of the most commonly documented forms of abuse in South Central Pennsylvania County is the mistreatment of horses. Amish farmers rely heavily on horses for transportation and farming, but often fail to provide them with proper care and rest. Horses are overworked, pulling heavy loads for long hours with insufficient food and water. They are often kept in cramped, unsanitary conditions and are frequently denied access to veterinary care when they become sick or injured. Additionally, some Amish farmers have been caught and fined for using inhumane methods to train horses, such as using painful bits and whips.

Dogs are also commonly abused and neglected in Amish communities. Puppy mills, where dogs are bred for profit with little regard for their welfare, are prevalent in South Central Pennsylvania County, and many are operated by Amish breeders. Dogs are often kept in overcrowded, filthy conditions with no access to veterinary care or socialization. Many puppies are sold to pet stores or online, perpetuating the cycle of abuse and disease.

Other forms of abuse in Amish communities include the docking of tails and ears of dogs, which is a painful and unnecessary practice, and the inhumane treatment of farm animals. Many Amish farmers continue to use outdated and inhumane farming practices, such as confinement and overuse of antibiotics, which cause immense suffering to animals.

As animal activists and vegans, it is so important to recognize the systemic animal abuse that exists in Amish communities and take action to protect these animals! This includes supporting legislative efforts to strengthen animal welfare laws and enforcement in areas with significant Amish populations. Additionally, individuals can take action by supporting local animal welfare organizations that work to rescue and rehabilitate abused animals, as well as promoting veganism as a compassionate lifestyle that recognizes the inherent value of all animals.

It is also important to engage in constructive dialogue with members of the Amish community to raise awareness of the cruelty and suffering that results from their outdated animal welfare practices. Education and awareness are key to promoting change and encouraging the Amish community to adopt more compassionate and humane animal welfare practices.

As animal activists or vegans, it is our responsibility to advocate for the compassionate treatment of all animals, regardless of cultural traditions or religious beliefs. We must work to reform laws and practices that enable animal abuse, and promote ethical and compassionate lifestyles that recognize the inherent value of all animals.

There are several ways that people can help to address animal abuse and neglect in Amish communities and promote more compassionate animal welfare practices:

• Support local animal welfare organizations: There are many animal rescue and rehabilitation organizations in South Central Pennsylvania that work to rescue and provide care for abused Supporting these organizations through donations or volunteering can help to provide much-needed resources and support for their efforts.
• Advocate for stronger animal welfare laws and enforcement: As visitors to South Central Pennsylvania County, we can use our voice and influence to advocate for stronger animal welfare laws and enforcement in areas with significant Amish Contacting local officials and lawmakers, signing petitions, and supporting animal welfare organizations that promote legislative change can help to make a difference.
• Educate others: Raising awareness about the animal abuse that exists in Amish communities is key to promoting By engaging in constructive dialogue with members of the Amish community and educating others about the importance of animal welfare, we can work towards a more compassionate and humane way of life for all animals.
• Choose vegan options: One way to enjoy Amish culture in a compassionate way is by choosing vegan options for food and By opting for plant-based alternatives to traditional Amish fare and avoiding products that are made from animal ingredients or involve animal exploitation, we can help to reduce demand for animal products and promote a more compassionate way of life.
• Be a responsible tourist: As visitors to South Central Pennsylvania, we have the power to make responsible and ethical choices when it comes to animal This includes supporting businesses and attractions that prioritize animal welfare, avoiding activities that involve animal exploitation or abuse, and using our platform to promote education and awareness about animal welfare.
• By taking action and promoting more compassionate animal welfare practices, we can work towards a better future for all animals in Amish communities and beyond!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie Recipe

By The Sweet Botanist, Plant based eats & sweets

*Makes 12-14 vegan whoopie pies *Contains nuts

Ingredients

For the cakes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
• 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

• Preheat your oven to 365 degrees
• In a mixing bowl, cream together the vegan butter and sugar until light and add the applesauce, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just
• Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a lined baking sheet, making sure to leave enough space between each
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are set and lightly golden
• Allow the cookies to cool completely before making the
• In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and
• Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of filling on the bottom of one cookie, and sandwich another cookie on top.
• Repeat until all of the cookies have been filled. Serve and enjoy!

This vegan chocolate whoopie pie with cream cheese peanut butter filling is a delicious twist on the classic Amish dessert. The chocolate cakes are moist and fluffy, while the cream cheese peanut butter filling adds the perfect balance of sweet and creamy. Give this recipe a try and let me know how you like it by tagging us in your foodie photos @thesweetbotanist or at @animal_advocates_SPCA! By using vegan ingredients, we can enjoy this treat without contributing to the animal exploitation and abuse that often occurs in Amish communities. Thank you for your compassion!

Pennsylvania Dutch Pot Pie (Bot Boi)

Recipe By Fatass Vegans Are Awesome’s, John

Ingredients

 For the Dough

• 3 cups white flour 1 tbsp salt
• 1/2 cup egg replacer or JUST egg 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 cup water

For the Broth

• 2 quarts of water
• 8 packs of Washington’s golden broth (or better than shanggie chicken broth) 1 cup of soy sauce
• 5 medium potatoes cut into bite size cubes 1/2 cup finely diced carrots
• 2 onions
• 2 tbsp salt
• 2 tbsp parsley
• 2 tbsp black pepper

Directions:

Dough- Mix and knead ingredients until you have a dough ball. (add water, and flour as needed), cut and roll a baseball size ball of dough and roll out very flat with a rolling pin and then cut the dough into 2 inch squares.

Cook broth for 45 minutes, add dough when broth starts to boil. stir each time you add groups of dough to prevent sticking to the bottom and to each other. Continue to cook at a simmer after all dough is added. let sit for another 45 minutes.