Bob Jones Seniors, Matthew Allen and Alicia Eidsaune, consume no meat, dairy or animal products.

With hipster culture on the rise among the yuppies and students of America, a growing population of vegans and vegetarians is emerging in local and online communities. According to research conducted by the Harris Interactive Service Bureau, there has been a marked increase in the vegetarian population in recent years, and it promises only more growth. These individuals hold a variety of justifications for their exclusion of meat and animal products from their diets, including health concerns, weight loss, and social activism.

According to the same poll, which surveyed 5,050 people, the majority of vegetarians are concerned primarily with their health, or with animal rights activism. Many vegetarians and vegans (individuals who consume no animal products, including dairy) report an increase in energy and general well-being, after having made the switch. Alicia Eidsaune, a vegan and Bob Jones senior states that “Once I gave it up I felt awesome. (Veganism) keeps me healthy and happy.”

Although the growth of the vegetarian community has afforded some resources and camaraderie, vegetarians and vegans face difficulties attending social gatherings, and finding sustenance in a society whose cuisine centers heavily on meat. “There isn’t much to eat when you’re socializing with friends by going out to eat, and the food is a little more expensive…” says Matthew Allen, Bob Jones senior, about his veganism. Wanda Wesolowski, a long time vegetarian and senior at Madison Academy discusses similar hardships: “It’s just hard when you go out to eat with your family and there isn’t a single salad that doesn’t feature some type of meat.”

While it remains a niche peculiarity in the grand scale of American society, vegetarianism promises to become a formidable voice among consumers in the coming years. This imminent increase should lead to more accommodation and opportunities for American Vegetarians.