Liband’s path to veganism was sparked four decades ago by a pamphlet called “Realities,” which was a compendium of facts from a then soon-to-be-published book by John Robbins called “Diet for a New America.” It detailed the huge environmental toll of animal agriculture; the health problems associated with meat, dairy and eggs; and the horrible treatment of animals in our food system. “It felt like the veil had been pulled back and that I was told and believed a whole lot of falsehoods about food. I was blown away,” says Liband. 

It was in 2013 that aspiring entrepreneur Rivera started vending vegetarian food at festivals. “I was just barely doing this as a hobby when an SFVS event in Golden Gate Park inspired me to pursue this business. It feels wonderful to come full circle and be presenting at San Francisco VegFest this year."

True to his value around animal justice, this past spring Albright walked away from his successful career as a corporate software engineer. He now works as full-time director of operations and infrastructure at One Living Sanctuary (OLS), where he is responsible for maintenance of the extensive volume of structures on the 120-acre property. Think construction, electrical, plumbing and the like.