Thank you for your interest in the Daytona Beach Vegetarian Society. This group was first started in March 2007, after Jacqueline Bodnar moved to the area and could not find a vegetarian group.

The mission of this group is to raise vegetarian and vegan awareness in the local community. We wish for people to learn the benefits of vegetarianism and veganism, which include those to the animals, human health, and the planet. A plant based diet is better for your health, is a compassionate way to dine, and is more environmentally friendly.

Through holding a variety of educational events throughout the year, we aim to create a vegetarian community and resource, serving all of the Daytona Beach area. This group, and our events, are open to all those who are vegetarian or not. Anyone with an interest in learning more is welcome to attend!

Here is a word about our humane educators:

Jacqueline Bodnar is a humane educator and founder of the Daytona Beach Vegetarian Society. She has been an ethical vegetarian since 1995, and vegan for the better part of more than the last five years. On behalf of animal rights, environmentalism, and vegetarianism, in addition to her work for this group, she has written about the topics whenever possible, including blogging at VegBlogger.com. She is also a volunteer for and a member of the Vegetarian Resource Group. Her education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science Studies (political science, history and psychology) and a Master of Professional Writing degree. She is a professional writer with well over 2,000 published articles, including some nationally syndicated ones. She also owns VolusiaCountyMoms.com, a local blog, and Bodnar Ink, a company specializing in professional writing services. Jacqueline lives in Port Orange with her husband and two children, all of whom are vegetarian. She's a treehugger who is passionate about vegetarianism, animal rights and caring for our planet. Photo Credit: Macpherson Family Photography

Terri Nelson-Bunge, the go-to gal regarding plant-based nutrition, recently moved here from State College, PA. Terri has been a vegan for around 30 years and embraces animal activism through education, awareness, and organizing events like the Farm Sanctuary Farm Walk. She has also done volunteer work for Dogs Deserve Better and FARM.  She is a graduate Of Penn State University with a degree in dietetics, and is a nationally registered dietetic technician. Terri is certified in Mind, Body, and Fitness, from the Mt. Nittany School of Natural Health as well as plant-based nutrition from E-Cornell University. Terri hopes to make an impact in Daytona through her activism and her entrepreneurial spirit with Terri’s Diet and Wellness Counseling, where she helps others to find health through nutrition and lifestyle. She resides in Port Orange with her husband Eric who is attending the Palmer School of Chiropractic. Terri can be reached at terriannsnutritionsolutions@gmail.com.

Are you interested in helping with our educational outreach events? Great! We are looking for other like-minded vegans, who share our mission in raising awareness about veganism in the community. Please feel free to drop us an e-mail if you are a vegan and would like to contribute.

"A man can live and be healthy without killing animals for food; therefore, if he eats meat, he participates in taking animal life merely for the sake of his appetite. And to act so is immoral." - Leo Tolstoy