In July 2016, The Washington Post published a story about an Italian couple who lost custody of their 14-month-old son.

The boy had been admitted to the hospital weighing about as much as an average 3-month-old baby.

He required emergency surgery for a congenital heart condition aggravated by low calcium levels.

The reason for the low calcium levels and general malnourishment?

His parents had been keeping their young son on a strict vegan diet since birth without providing any supplements to make up for the nutrients he was missing out on.

According to the Post, this case was not unique.

In fact, it was the third case of a child in Italy being hospitalized as a result of a vegan diet.

And there have been similar cases around the world dating back to 2004. In one case, a couple in the United States was sentenced to life in prison after their baby died as a result of malnourishment.

Read more: Best vegan blogs of 2017

At the 50th annual meeting of the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) earlier this month, experts decided to speak up about the dangers of a vegan diet for children without proper supplementation.

It is difficult to ensure a healthy and balanced vegan diet in young infants, and parents should understand the serious consequences of failing to follow advice regarding supplementation of the diet, Dr. Mary Fewtrell, chair of ESPGHANs nutrition committee, said in a press statement. The risks of getting it wrong can include irreversible cognitive damage and, in the extreme, death.

Dr. Myriam Van Winckel, a professor in the department of pediatrics and medical genetics at Ghent University in Belgium, had something similar to share.

The more restricted the diet of the child, the greater the risk of deficiency, and this is by far highest in vegan children, Van Winckel said in a press statement. But the risk does not stop there. Vegan mothers who breastfeed also need to be aware that their children can develop vitamin B-12 deficiency between 2 and 12 months because of the lack of reserves in their body at birth, even if the mother is not showing any signs of deficiency herself.

Officials at ESPGHAN are not the only ones to sound an alarm.

A 2010 article by the Canadian Paediatric Society showed data compiled from several studies of strict vegan preschoolers and school-age children.

Concerns were raised regarding protein, fiber, essential amino acids, iron, zinc, calcium, fat, fatty acids, vitamins B-12, D, A, and riboflavin.

The researchers added that energy levels may be impacted as well, requiring calorie dense foods to provide for adequate growth.

The article concluded that while a vegan diet can be safe for children, those children should be closely monitored for appropriate nutrition, growth, and energy levels.

Read more: 8 great sources of vegan protein

Members of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also expressed their concerns.

Childhood is a critical time for growth and brain development, Dr. Sheela Magge, an endocrinologist at Childrens National Health System, told Healthline. There are critical vitamins and minerals which can be deficient in a vegan diet, particularly vitamin B-12, vitamin D, iron, calcium, zinc, and riboflavin. Vegan diets can also increase the risk of vitamin A deficiency. B-12 comes from milk and eggs and is a specific concern for people on a vegan diet. A lack of sufficient vitamin B-12 can lead to neurological symptoms. Children on vegan diets may also have slightly higher protein requirements than non-vegan children.

She added that the first few months and years of life are particularly important.

Infancy is a special consideration, Magge said. The ideal first nutrition for babies is breast milk, but if a mother does not or cannot feed the baby breast milk, the only other option is a soy-based formula. Also, during infancy and weaning the amount of food needed to meet energy needs on a vegan diet may be increased and can exceed gastric capacity. Therefore, frequent feeds are recommended.

Read more: The 10 most vegetarian-friendly cities

So what are the options for parents who are committed to a vegan lifestyle?

According to Magge, it can be done but only with careful monitoring.

A child can be on a vegan diet safely, but it should be done in consultation with the childs pediatrician or primary caregiver, she said. A nutritionist may also be involved. Childhood is a critical time for growth and development, and it is very important that adequate amounts of critical vitamins and minerals are taken in the childs diet at specific times in development.

Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD, a licensed, registered dietitian, who is a wellness manager at the Cleveland Clinic, agreed, but she added parents need to carefully assess the willingness of the child to go along with such a strict dietary plan.

This plan will most likely not work in a very picky eater and could lead to nutrient deficiencies, she said.

When considering a vegan diet for a child, experts say consulting with a pediatrician is the best way to ensure proper nutrition.

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Is a Vegan Diet Safe for Children? - Healthline - Healthline

When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 3.

Where: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, 300 W. Lakeside Ave., Cleveland.

Tickets: Free ($5 donation suggested).

Info: clevelandvegansociety.org.

This just in: We live in a divisive society.

The combative dynamic includes politics, lifestyle and even food.

For proof of the latter, just mention veganism. Reactions can include an eye roll followed by a staunch defense of eating chicken or steak.

One local group looking to create awareness about the life choice is the Cleveland Vegan Society, which presents its fifth annual free Vegfest June 3 at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.

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We wanted to create an event that would introduce people in the Northeast Ohio area to veganism and its principles environmental sustainability, justice for animals, plant-based health, social justice, food justice, Cleveland Vegan Society President Amy Wagar Cinch said.

At our event, we do touch on how animal agriculture is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gases and how eating a plant-based diet is considered one of the healthiest ways to live. It can reduce chronic disease. We talk about how agricultural subsidies are influencing the way people eat, and how it disproportionately affects disenfranchised groups. Those are all important topics we address.

The all-day affair features nationally renowned speakers, cutting-edge nutrition advice, engaging food demonstrations, a food court, a cruelty-free marketplace, live music, yoga, a kids activity area and a screening room.

For the better part of the last decade, Cinch has lived a vegan lifestyle, which, she said, on a daily basis seems to be getting easier to do thanks to more restaurants listing a vegan option on menus. Also, grocery stores are stocking more items on their shelves.

Unquestionably, the lifestyle is gaining momentum and acceptance. Gone are the days where a stereotypical vegan wore a First Light T-shirt with Birkenstocks and smelled like patchouli.

Our circle is getting larger, and its really a function of how many vegan people a person knows, Cinch said. If they are new to the idea, it just seems alien to them, but I find that if people have several friends or acquaintances that are vegan, its not seen as such an extreme lifestyle anymore.

There are vegans of every walk of life, shape, size, socio-economic background. Veganism is spreading.

Thats due in part to the efforts of the Cleveland Vegas Society. The nonprofit acts as a liaison between the vegan community and restaurants and businesses. As far as VegFest is concerned, interest has grown. Just five years ago, 3,000 people showed up at Cleveland State University. This year, expectations have more than 7,000 attendees visiting the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.

Cinch said the reason behind that increase is simple.

Most people are eating vegan things even if theyre not vegan these days, Cinch said. Theres a meme going around where people are asked, Why are you vegan? The response is, Why are you not vegan?

From our perspective, there really isnt a good reason not to be vegan. From every perspective, it makes sense.

When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 3.

Where: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, 300 W. Lakeside Ave., Cleveland.

Tickets: Free ($5 donation suggested).

Info: clevelandvegansociety.org.

>> Where to pick strawberries in Northeast Ohio, 2017

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Cleveland Vegan Society hosting latest Vegfest at Huntington Convention Center - News-Herald.com

Lincoln Taproom will host an adults-only Vegan Prom Saturday. View Full Caption

Creative Commons/Flickr: dok1

LAKEVIEW Dust off those rhinestone-studded heels: It's prom time. Just make sure they're not made of leather.

While high schoolers might be winding down their sanctioned springtime ritual, the grown-ups are just getting started with an adults-only Vegan Prom in Lakeview Saturday.

Lincoln Taproom, 3010 N. Lincoln Ave., will host night of dancing, drinking and an "I Love U '80s" theme that is a perfect excuse to give your puffed satin sleeves one last night of glory.

Dressing up isn't required, and neither is being a vegan or having a date. Proceeds from the third annual Vegan Prom benefit Chicago VeganMania, a free all-vegan food festival in Edgewater.

Want to dress up but have nothing to wear? Try thrift shops for a last-minute gem organizers are encouraging guests to get festive in '80s wear, prom attire or "whatever makes you feel rad."

While a DJ jams to '80s music, prom-goers can enjoy finger foods, desserts, a photo booth, a raffle and a cash bar. Sponsors for the event include Pie, Pie My Darling, Alice & Friends' Vegan Kitchen and Follow Your Heart, so the night is sure to include some tasty treats.

Tickets are $20 at the door, and guests must be 21 years or older.

Original post:

Relive Your Prom Glory Days (But With Booze And Vegan Food) At Adult Prom - DNAinfo

Alicia Silverstone has been an outspoken advocate for veganism for years, even writing a book in 2011 called The Kind Diet that explains why she chose a plant-based way of eating that doesnt include meat, fish, seafood, poultry, dairy, or eggs. Now, the Clueless actress is discussing her decision to feed her 6-year-old son, Bear Blu, a vegan diet, too.

Knowing the truth about where our food comes from is just so disturbing to me, she says in a video for the non-profit Farm Sanctuarys Compassionate Meals program, as she and Bear eat veggie burgers and kale salad. Once you see it, theres no way to go back from that for me. Bear is also asked what his favorite thing about being a vegan is. His response: That you dont have to eat yucky meat.

Silverstone says its easy for her to feed Bear vegan foods, and she regularly makes easy-to-assemble meals like tacos and stir-fries. I can make all those things based on whats in the fridge, she says. You always have a bean, you always have a whole grain. Silverstone says being vegan has turned me into a health nut because you feel so good, you feel so different, adding, being able to do something that is good for the Earth, good for the animals, and good for you all at the same time seems like such a no-brainer. Its like the biggest Duh!'

According to a 2016 Harris Interactive Poll commissioned by the Vegetarian Resource Group about 3.7 million American adults identify as vegan . But the decision to put children on a vegan diet frequently comes under fire.

A law proposed in Italy in 2016 would make it illegal for parents to put their children on a vegan diet, which lawmakers referred to as "a diet devoid of elements essential for healthy and balanced growth," per Reuters . The proposed law came after several high-profile cases in the country involving undernourished children on vegan diets. In one case, a 1-year-old on a vegan diet only weighed as much as a 3-month-old and, in another, a father alleged that his 12-year-old sons growth was stunted due to a vegan diet chosen by the boys mother.

Silverstone has faced criticism in the past for feeding Bear a vegan diet, and she told People in 2014 that her son loves the food I give him. Hes not being deprived of anything. For him, having amazing fruit is like candy.

Some people claim that children who are raised on a vegan diet wont get enough nutrients they need to grow into strong adults, while others say it simply encourages healthy eating in children.

So, is it a good idea to feed kids a vegan diet? Ashanti Woods, M.D., a pediatrician at Baltimores Mercy Medical Center, tells SELF that it depends. Children who consume a vegan diet are generally as healthy, if not more healthy, than children who have a normal diet, he says. Dr. Woods points out that there are various lay definitions of vegetarianism and veganism , but pediatricians pay special attention to true vegans, i.e., those who swear off all animal products. The more restrictions on a diet, the more pediatricians become concerned because these children are at risk for nutritional deficiencies, he says.

When done properly, vegan diets can be a step up from the standard American diet, Dana Simpler, M.D., a primary care practitioner at Baltimore's Mercy Medical Center, tells SELF. Dr. Simpler says that peopleand childrendont need animal protein in their diet provided that theyre getting all their important minerals and nutrients.

The key is having a diet that is well thought out, Lauren Fiechtner, M.D., M.P.H., Director of Nutrition at MassGeneral Hospital for Children in the Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, tells SELF. If the diet is well-planned and monitored by a registered dietitian, this can be safe for children, she says. Worth noting: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says that well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets are healthy for infants and toddlers.

In the long-term, vegetarian and vegan diets have been linked with lower cholesterol levels, a lower risk of heart disease , a lower risk of high blood pressure, and lower risk of type 2 diabetes, Dr. Fiechtner says. Theyre also a good way to promote eating enough fruits and vegetables. In the United States, most children do not meet their goal intake of five servings of fruits or vegetables per day, and so this could also be a benefit, she says.

There are also other potential benefits. Lauren Blake, an R.D. at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells SELF that vegetarian and vegan teens typically eat more fiber , iron, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C than their meat-eating counterparts. They also tend to eat fewer sweets, fast foods, and salty snacks.

This is why Dr. Woods urges parents of his patients who are on a vegan diet to be mindful that their children get enough of certain nutrients, including vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. Low levels of iron can lead to anemia , low calcium and vitamin D levels can cause poor bone health, and low levels of vitamin B12 can lead to neurologic complications in severe cases, Dr. Woods says. Dr. Fiechtner points out that vegan diets are low in omega-3 fatty acids , which are commonly found in fish or eggs. Failure to have enough of these fatty acids has been linked to poor cardiovascular health, as well as issues with eye and brain development. To meet the gaps in a vegan childs diet, Dr. Simpler recommends vitamin supplementation.

Children on a vegan diet are also at risk of not taking in enough daily calories, which is why Dr. Woods recommends that vegan children eat three snacks a day in addition to three meals a day.

Overall, experts say its fine to raise children on a vegan diet, provided youre mindful that theyre getting everything they need. It just takes an effort, Dr. Woods says. If you have questions about putting your child on a vegan diet, get in touch with their pediatrician or a registered dietitian who can help steer you in the right direction.

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Alicia Silverstone: Feeding My Son a Vegan Diet Is a 'No Brainer' - SELF

Baseball is one of Americas most significant pastimes. Even if you arent a fan of baseball, its very likely that youve experienced moments in your childhood where the family gathered around the television to watch the local team play. You probably also have at least one relative whos a staunch baseball devotee or maybe youre that devoted fan.

Considering baseballs importance in American culture, one would never expect to find a veggie burger at a baseball stadium. After all, the Standard American Diet is notorious for being high in both meat and dairy and how much more American can you get that sitting in a baseball stadium with a big ol carton of chili cheese fries and a corn dog? But in recent years, baseball stadiums have stepped up their games in terms of offering vegan food options. PETA recently released a list of the top 10 vegan-friendly ballparks in the United States and surprisingly, Global Life Park in Arlington, Texas, is at the top of the list.

And now, atPNC Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA the home of the Pirates guests will be able to attend the stadiums first vegan event, Veggin Out at the Park!The evening is hosted in collaboration with Meatless Monday Pittsburgh, where for $45, the park will serve a full vegan menu, followed by a Pirates vs. Orioles game.

Items on the menu include veggie burgers, Buffalo cauliflower, sweet potato tacos, and more. Plus, anyone who buys tickets will also get corner box seats for the big game! Were happy to see PNC Stadium taking this step in showing Pirates fans that plant-based food is more than just salad its fun, innovative, and most importantly, delicious! Veggin Out at the Park will take place on Tuesday, September 26th. For more information, visit their official website.

Curious to see whats vegan at your local stadium? Then, check out Veggie Happys guide to vegan and vegetarian options at MLB baseball parks.

Cant make it to the event? You can still make classic ballpark food! We highly recommend checking out the Food Monster App, which is available for bothAndroid and iPhone. With over 8,000 vegan recipes (and over 10 new recipes added daily), youre going to find something you love!

Lead image source: Wikimedia Commons

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This MLB Team is Hosting a Vegan Food Night and We Just ... - One Green Planet

The words Vegan Batman Light may sound like something out of sci fi, butits 100 percent real and 100 percent radical.

Basically, the lightisa giant projector that displays powerful vegan messageson building surfaces (a la the bat signal). The idea was dreamed up by activist Connie Spence last year, and shes been shining the light of truth in cities across the country ever since.

Spence came up with the concept after the election when an artist shone an anti-Trump message on a hotel in Atlanta. Because it was only light, itwasnt considered vandalism, and therefore wasntillegal. In that moment I knew I had to figure out what this equipment was and how to do the same all over walls in Los Angeles [where she lived at the time].

After a lot of technical trial and error, she got the equipment together and did her first light in mid-December of 2016.

The first time it was done on the pig slaughterhouse in L.A. and boy was that moment eventful, says Spence. The light could be seen over their courtyard fence inside the slaughterhouse. The police that come each night walked up and said WOW, that is a game changer and lets everyone know how serious you guys are. I have now been doing the light three to five timesa week since.

In Los Angeles, shesshone the lighton the Staples Center, over freeways, on slaughterhouses, in Hollywood, and on the 3rd Street Promenade; shes brought it tothe Vegas Strip and Downtown Vegas (over the famous Heart Attack Grill); and shes displayed messaging on the Diamondbacks stadium in Phoenix. She continues to travel and bring the light to new locations. Shes had countless interactions with curiouspeople, many of which have been caught on video and are posted to Facebook.

Currently, Spence is raising funds via Go Fund Me to start new chapters of the Vegan Batman Light. She wants as many people as possible to get involved in bringing the concept to cities across the globe. This recipe of activism works, she says, in part because she talks TO people not AT them.I learn their name, shake their hand, ask them how they feel, ask them if theyve been to a slaughterhouse, ask them why they havent contemplated animals being abused before this moment. I learn about them and their defenses and I pivot to any excuse or justification they have. I spend a lot of time remembering stats and practice rebuttals to make sure that I know how to handle every objection. And on top of it all, I try to stay calm, but direct and always try to maintain peace.

Shes done it over 50 times and dealt with more than 30 police interactions, yet shes only been shut down once.

So what does she recommend as far as effective activism? Talk to every person and imagine they are your child. You really have to talk to people and unwire them and to do this, be as patient with their knee-jerk defense mechanisms as you would be to an 11-year-old child. This is how I prevent myself from surrendering to arguments and you will find even with the worst initial reactions, I almost always get people to come full circle and understand veganism.

Also, she says, use simple language. Your audience is always speciesist and you will rarely win someone over when you use language like rape, holocaust, slaveryor enslavement.I do not need to have my audience turn away from my message because they think Im downgrading an experience they went through or feel strongly about. This isnt an ego war on words and so you will NEVER catch me using that language, ever. Also, I never push pamphlets at anyone. Ive never seen my collateral on the ground. I only give out my cheat sheets and Go Vegan Pamphlets when the person is sold on the philosophy and motivated to go on a Vegan Journey. I have never seen any of my cheat sheets on the ground or trash.

For more info on the Vegan Batman Light, check out Go Fund Me, Facebook, and Instagram.

Follow Latest Vegan News onFacebook, on Instagram and Twitter(@LatestVeganNews), and sign up to receive ourdaily headlines in your inbox here.

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Vegan Batman Light Changing Hearts and Minds Across the US - Latest Vegan News

The music returns to Missouri Valley City Park Thursday evening, June 1, as the Missouri Valley Chamber of Commerces Music in the Park series kicks off its ninth year in Missouri Valley.

This years line-up includes:

Thursday, June 1: Bluegrass Playground Americana.

Thursday, June 8: Bill Wakefield & Random Classic Rock.

Thursday, June 15: Robert Glaser & the Gravy Dippers Variety.

Thursday, June 22: The Rock Rescue Group Rock and Blues.

Sponsors for this years Music in the Park series who help make this summertime Missouri Valley event happen include American National Bank, CHI Health Missouri Valley, Heathquest Chiropractic, The Hoffman Agency, Longview Home, Missouri Valley Insurance, Sable Farms, and Woodhouse Auto Family.

Music in the Park is held at the shelter house in Missouri Valley City Park, located along West Huron Street. The concerts are free to the public and begin at 7 p.m., lasting approximately one hour. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on and refreshments to enjoy a relaxing and fun evening of musical entertainment. In case of rain, the music will be moved inside to the 4-H Building.

Read more:

Music in the Park returns to Missouri Valley tonight - Blair Enterprise Publishing

June 1, 2017 3:20 PM

RELAXING - Audiences enjoy some tunes during Music in the Park in this file shot. That popular event, along with the Community Market, start up June 7th for another terrific season of fun and variety for local residents. / photo submitted

BY MARK WEBER

Lacombe Express

On June 7th, two popular community events - the Community Market and Music in the Park - will be launching a brand new season for the summer.

The Community Market runs from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday evening until the end of August. And also on June 7th, join Flatiron Jazz for the first performance in the Music in the Park Program.

Wendy Buyer, market manager for the Community Market, confirmed the vendors are extremely excited to come back this year. What a beautiful way to break up the monotony of the mid-week blues, shopping at the friendly vendors, dinner at the delicious food trucks and a free live concert every week!

It was a few years ago that Guy Lapointe, with the City of Lacombe, approached Buyar with the idea of putting together a community market.

Buyar, with her extensive connections in the community, was the ideal choice to help with launching that initial event that has continued to be such a success. It was easy for me to coordinate all of those people together, she said.

Meanwhile, presented by the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre Foundation, Music in the Park offers an opportunity for residents of Lacombe and many summer visitors to enjoy an evening of entertainment and experience a wide range of musical styles.

Originally, Music in the Park was started by a friend of mine, Lann Lieurance, who was a musician here in Lacombe, and he wanted to be able to have a performance series that offered high quality music on a free basis to the people in the community, on a regular basis, explained Ellen Corea, a committee member for Music in the Park.

Its was so exciting because it was taking the project we were dealing with and really expanding it, she said of the combination of Music at the Park with the Community Market. We had visions of having this wonderful festival atmosphere. And I think the really neat part of it is that its turned out that way.

Really, the atmosphere downtown on a Wednesday night in the summer is unbelievable.

Music in the Park runs from June to August, every Wednesday starting at 6:30 p.m.

Everyone is invited to bring their lawn chairs and picnic blankets to the park, enjoy the beautiful weather, good friends and an evening of free entertainment.

The bands go rain or shine. There will be signs if it is moved to an inside venue.

The organizers are also very excited to offer something very special this year; a new performing venue - the Echo Stage. A dedication for the stage starts at 6:15 p.m. on June 7th, said Corea.

Located on the site where the performers have set up for the past two years, the new stage will offer shelter for the musicians and their equipment as well as an improved sight line for the audience, she said.

Were going to dedicate it to the memory of Lann Lieurance who started the program, said Corea.

Working from an initial idea, Peter Bouwsema from PJ Designs volunteered his time and talent to design a beautiful Post and Beam structure, she said.

Wayne Froese from Top Peg Timber Construction was then brought in to make the dream a reality.

Volunteers Chad Collins donated his time as general contractor on the project and with framer Ryan Fauria (Down Home Builders), built the floor.

The finishing touch was the electrical, installed by Sparks and Awl, giving the stage the power to keep the sound going.

For this project, the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre Foundation (LPACF) was pleased to have as their major partner Echo Energy who provided half the funding for the stage.

I think this project really demonstrates the power Echo Energy has to positively impact our community. We are proud to support this initiative and look forward to helping realize new opportunities, said Echo Energy President Drayton Bussiere.

In addition LPACF received a greatly appreciated anonymous donation, a donation of materials for the floor from Castle Building Supplies and they fundraised for the rest of the funds, said Corea.

Meanwhile, Corea and Buyar are having a blast helping to arrange these highly anticipated, summer-long events for the community.

Im just loving the continuation of the project, said Corea. I think the support from the community has also been amazing. And I think that anything you can do to enhance your community is the gravy in your life.

Ive heard nothing but positive feedback.

Buyar agreed.

I get to be around positive people - I have a fantastic time and I get to play on Wednesdays, really, she added with a laugh.

Between Ellen and I, we have a really good relationship and we work really well together, added Buyar. It shows in how well Wednesdays run!

Go here to read the rest:

Summer comes alive with Community Market and Music in the Park - Lacombe Express

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Live music and entertainment, a street market and boat trips are among the array of activities taking place at this weekend's Riverside Festival.

The popular free event, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary, takes place along the River Soar's Mile Straight, at Bede Park, Castle Gardens and Western Boulevard on Saturday June 3, and Sunday June 4.

It originally began as a small Sunday afternoon event, but has now blossomed into a two-day festival showcasing the River Soar and its surroundings.

Dragon boats will be taking visitors on free trips along the River Soar on Saturday afternoon, departing from Castle Gardens regularly between 12pm and 5pm.

Bede Park will feature a children's funfair, a variety of arts and crafts activities, workshops, beer tent and acoustic music area, as well as free table tennis tables, a giant tipi, storytelling, face-painting and stalls.

Nearby Western Boulevard will host an arts street market selling wares from local artists and craftspeople, an 'eco area' and world food stalls.

Ride Leicester will be operating all things pedal-powered, from free secure bicycle parking to pedal-punk bike art, and bike smoothies to information on cycling projects across the city.

Castle Gardens will provide the perfect place for a relaxing stroll and a range of music, art and crafts activities for all ages including a Down On The Farm area which will give visitors a chance to meet and learn about caring for animals on a farm.

Bede Park will once again host a full programme local live music. GoldWater will headline the stage on Saturday evening, with their unique blend of swampy blues, 60s psychedelia and theatrical rock, bringing to a close the day-long programme.

Sunday's musical programme will be headlined by Leicester singer/songwriter David Wyatt and his band.

For further information visit http://www.visitleicester.info

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Riverside Festival is back with free fun activities this weekend - Leicester Mercury

Major U.S. food companies are fighting a tough battle as easy-to-prepare and ready-to-eat convenience foods are gradually losing sheen. Consumers would earlier take decisions based on taste, price and convenience. However, the scenario is fast changing, as they are becoming increasingly vigilant toward a new set of factors which are upsetting the consumer value equation, thus creating challenges for the food industry.

Trends that have gathered steam in the U.S. in recent years include a shift toward healthier options in the food sector (predominantly fresh foods) and a high level of price consciousness. Additionally, factors such as growing awareness of "clean label" and genetically modified organism or GMOs, increasing concerns related to sugar consumption and growing demand for free-from products are also sketching the food landscape afresh.

This seismic shift in the U.S. food industry is creating hurdles for food behemoths such as General Mills Inc. (GIS - Free Report) , Kellogg Company (K - Free Report) , Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ - Free Report) , The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC - Free Report) , and others, thus making it harder for legacy brands to improve sales.

These trends are unlikely to stop. That said, despite all these negatives, there are ample reasons to be optimistic about the future in the food industry.

Healthy/Organic Food Drive to Boost Sales

Food majors are aggressively trying to improve their products through innovations as well as strategic acquisitions and divestitures. Additionally, they are channeling funds toward product and packaging innovation as well as reformulating a number of existing products to meet the rapidly changing consumer view on health and wellness.

Given the scenario, demand for organic food continues to grow in the country. Per the recently released report from Organic Trade Associations (OTAs) 2017 Organic Industry Survey, the American organic sector stayed on its upward trajectory in 2016, gaining new market share and crushing records, as consumers across the country ate more organic products than ever before.

Total organic sales were $47 billion in 2016 in the U.S., reflecting new sales of nearly $3.7 billion. This comprised $43 billion of organic food sales, the first time the American organic food market has broken the $40-billion mark. Organic food sales increased 8.4% from 2016, significantly surpassing the stagnant 0.6% growth rate in the overall food market. Sales of organic non-food products increased 8.8% in 2016, outstripping the overall non-food growth rate of 0.8%.

This growth trend is expected to accelerate in the coming years as food makers are going all out to boost the supply of organic ingredients, as well as increase investment in infrastructure and education.

Apart from innovations and the drive toward organic ingredients, companies are also pursuing a spate of multi-year restructuring initiatives with focus on improving operational efficiency to generate cost savings and supporting its key growth strategies. For example, Kraft Heinz has implemented many cost-saving initiatives including the integration of Kraft Foods and Heinz. The company plans to save $1.7 billion in annual costs by the end of 2017 (up from $1.5 billion earlier expected), primarily focused on work-force reductions along with factory closures and consolidations. As of first quarter 2017, the company realized cumulative savings of approximately $1.3 billion.

Though the companies sales have been relatively soft, cost savings have led to better margins. Again, savings are being re-invested in the business for innovation, brand building and marketing to stimulate top-line growth.

Stocks to Bet on

Given the positive momentum, we may zero in on some food stocks that have gained in the current scenario and have the potential to further grow. Moreover, the stocks have been witnessing an uptrend in earnings estimate revisions and have outperformed the Zacks classified Food-Miscellaneous/Diversified industry in the last one year. With the help of the Zacks Stock Screener, we have handpicked five stocks from the industry based on a favorable Zacks Rank and other relevant metrics. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Performance of Food-Miscellaneous /Diversified Industry vs. Stock Picks

SunOpta Inc. (STKL - Free Report) is an operator of high-growth ethical businesses, focusing on integrated business models in the natural and organic food, supplements and health and beauty markets. We remain optimistic about this Zacks Rank #1 company. Interestingly, in the last one year, the stock surged more than 97%, outperforming the 0.4% loss of the industry. The company is expected to grow 15% in the next five years, faring a lot better than the industrys average of 10.2%.

ARAMARK Holdings Corporation (ARMK - Free Report) offers food services, facilities management, uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities, school districts, stadiums and businesses. This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock has climbed 16.3% in the last one year against the industrys weak performance. The stock has a trailing 12-month ROE of 19.13% compared with the industry average of 11.27%. It has a VGM style score of A and a 35 year expected growth rate of 12.8% (higher than the industry).

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (LW - Free Report) is a supplier of frozen potato, sweet potato, appetizer and vegetable products to restaurants and retailers. On Nov 10, 2016, Lamb Weston completed the previously announced spin-off from Conagra Brands Inc. (formerly ConAgra Foods Inc.). On the same day, the company's stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "LW". This Zacks Rank #2 stock has rallied 58.3% since it started trading, surpassing the industrys weak 5.8% growth. It has a dividend yield of 1.62%, higher than the industry average of 0.22%.

MGP Ingredients, Inc. (MGPI - Free Report) produces and markets ingredients and distillery products to the packaged goods industry. The stock holds a Zacks Rank #2 and increased 53.7% in the said period. The company is expected to grow 15% in the next five years, faring a lot better than the industrys average. Its trailing 12-month ROE is currently pegged at 22.54%, a lot better than the industry one. The company surpassed earnings estimates in three of the last four quarters, resulting in an average beat of 27.09%.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC - Free Report) is engaged in manufacturing, marketing and distributing spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the food industry. The company has raised its dividend annually for 30 years consecutively. The stock returned 7.1% in the last one year, outperforming the industrys performance. The stock has a trailing 12-month ROE of 28.03%, a lot higher than the industrys 11.27% level.

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Excerpt from:

5 Food Stocks for Healthy Gains on Organic Food Trend - Zacks.com