Our planet is changing at an alarming rate: droughts, floods, dying coral reefs, stronger storms, sea levels rising – all effects of climate change. It can seem as though it’s too late, that even if we could stop harmful practices, we’re on a course for doom.

This morning, we hosted a kickoff event on Capitol Hill, celebrating Representative Earl Blumenauer’s (OR-03) introduction of the Food and Farm Act of 2023. Joined by animal, health, justice, farmer, and environmental advocates, we shared how today’s Farm Bill fails nearly all of us – while advancing a transformational vision for United States food systems.

Today’s food systems work for nearly no one. Here at Farm Sanctuary, we are working across movements to fight the worst harms of animal agriculture and to “build the good” – just and sustainable food systems that support animals, people, and the planet.

Whether you’re a long time vegan or just dipping your toes into the movement, getting into a new cookbook is a great way to explore new foods and broaden your horizons – and maybe even find a recipe to pass down in your own family! Though this list is not at all exhaustive, below are 8 cookbooks by Black authors we recommend to get you started.

Farm Sanctuary hosted a “Roundtable Review of U.S. Food Systems” on Capitol Hill, sponsored by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), with additional in-person remarks from Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and advocates from key national and community-based organizations, including Farm Action, The Center for Biological Diversity, The Eva Clayton Rural Food Institute, and Corbin Hill Food Project.

Every February, we think fondly of our groundhog friends still hibernating underground. And there's no need to rouse “Punxsutawney Phil” to check his shadow—groundhogs reemerge on their own. At Sanctuary, we do our best to live in harmony with wildlife—after all, this land is their land, too. Check here for cute photos of some of the friends who also call Farm Sanctuary home!

This year, make a heartfelt, homemade chocolate dessert. We’re swooning over this not-too-sweet, moist vegan chocolate cake recipe, which is sure to become so beloved you’ll have to make it year-round.