“Fattest City” Mayor Inspires Launch of New Vegan Group

New vegan group Plant Based Health Mississippi (PBHM) recently launched in Jackson, MS. In March, finance company WalletHub named Jackson the fattest city in the United States, prompting actress Pamela Anderson to challenge the city mayor Chokwe Lumumba to go vegan for one month—a challenge the mayor accepted. Local eatery Cool Al’s owner Kim Moroski was inspired by Lumumba’s commitment to create PBHM with the mission to spread healthy eating habits throughout the city. “This is the first time since I have lived here (23 years) that I see a glimmer of hope in regards to diet and lifestyle change,” Moroski said. “We have many people taking the vegan starter guides and just as many inquiring about and ordering off [Cool Al’s] plant-based menu.” PBHM will host its first vegan event on August 27, when they will screen popular vegan documentary What the Health, host a plant-based food tasting reception (featuring Moroski’s vegan gumbo), and inspire guests with plant-based eating lectures given by vegan chefs, doctors, and personal trainers.