Juneteenth, commemorated on June 19, highlights the day-long celebration of Black lives and floods the entire month of June with celebrations of the Black community that reflect resilience, solidarity, and joy. With a quickly expanding community focused on a healthy lifestyle, one Black-owned business shares the colorful tastes of plant-based food across the ‘Burgh and beyond. Finding joy in a soulful approach to vegan food is owner Gerald Charlton’s passion with his personal and professional victual ventures with Veggies N’at.
Since 2019, Veggie’s N’at has offered vegan catering, weekly prepared meals, pop-up events, and private dinners across Pittsburgh. Charlton combines unique flavors on a mission to get people excited about eating plants while spreading awareness of the real health benefits of a vegan lifestyle after a life-changing medical diagnosis.
Charlton explains, “In 2017, I was diagnosed with Myocarditis, causing heart and lung failure and the doctor said I would potentially have to take medication for the rest of my life, so I did my research to determine the root cause of this health problem.”
His research led him to the late Dr. Sebi, a Honduran herbalist, who inspired him to treat his heart condition with healthy, alkaline foods. At a follow-up appointment months later, his doctor noted significant improvement and showed that he was well on his way to overcoming this major health complication through his plant-based approach.
“It was a proud moment for me,” says Charlton. “I felt like I did something by following my own intuition, researching for myself, and seeing results. I want to share my story while letting the food speak for itself. Vegan food carries a stigma in some people’s minds, so at Veggies N’at, we create dishes that people aren’t used to having without meat or dairy.”
To make these kinds of dishes easily accessible, Veggies N’at offers ready-to-(h)eat meals with a weekly curated menu that is always 100% vegan and primarily soy/gluten-free. Nourishing bowls, salads, wraps, pasta, and more combine cultural flavors and inspirations with his own soulful approach. The menu can be found on Facebook and Instagram every Friday morning and orders are taken through Saturday evening for meals to be picked up or delivered on Monday.
“Customers who don’t have the time or skills needed for meal prep love how easy it is to have colorful and nourishing meals for the entire week,” Charlton says. “We believe the future is vegan and we’re trying to change the narrative one meal at a time.”
In addition to weekly prepared meals, customers can get hot food at the Veggies N’at booth at the 2021 Bloomfield Farmer’s Market every Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm from May 8 through November 20. The market is located at 5050 Liberty Avenue. Notably, Veggie’s N’at will be collaborating with DJ Reason on June 23 at Allegheny City Brewing from 5 – 9 pm for a reggae music pop-up where Charlton will be serving nachos and sloppy joes while Onion Maiden, another Pittsburgh vegan favorite, will have some awesome desserts.
Veggies N’at is always looking for collaboration opportunities around the city and can be reached at veggiesnat@gmail.com. Be sure to follow Veggies N’at on its official Facebook and Instagram for updates on its menu selections, pop-ups, and other appetizing announcements.
