One of our newest vendors at the Monroe Street Farmers Market has everyone talking and excited about a healthier lifestyle. Lauren Montelbano is the owner of The Vibrant Veg, a local vegan food business that offers a variety of services to those interested in eating more consciously, shedding a few pounds, building muscle, or saving time.
Montelbano has been a vegan for eight years and has witnessed first hand the positive effects it can have on an individual’s health. It is her hope to share that with other people through her products and services at The Vibrant Veg.
Not only did the vegan lifestyle inspire Lauren to create The Vibrant Veg, but she was also passionate about shifting away from the restaurant business model after being employed as a chef for a cafe in the Madison area. She aspired to work on her own terms and was interested in private sector duties such as serving as a personal chef or holding pop-up events.
“I enjoy that I am my own boss. But at the same time, I love that no one day is ever the same. I have a lot of things that I do and so my days and weeks are always changing,” Montelbano stated.
Although The Vibrant Veg is new to the market this season, the market is not new to Montelbano as she used to live in the area and attend the market as a customer. Additionally, Lauren’s sister serves on the board of our market. While speaking with her, Montelbano raved about the approachable and friendly environment of the Monroe Street Farmers Market, emphasizing the support and kindness of the other vendors in attendance.
The Monroe Street Famers Market is the only market The Vibrant Veg attends, the majority of their business and services taking place through their website at https://www.thevibrantveg.com. Their delicious and fresh pressed juices are a best seller at the market, while The Vibrant Veg weekly meal service is their most popular feature that takes place exclusively through their website.
“If anybody is looking to better their health through plant based foods, we are always there for people in the form of nutritional consults, cooking classes, or our meal program which makes it very easy for people to do,” Montelbano explained.
Be sure to visit The Vibrant Veg website to learn more about the incredible services they provide, as well as stopping by their stand at the market any Sunday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Edgewood parking lot to grab a refreshing juice or tasty energy ball!