Help Restore History
The Landmark Vegan Kitchen
A $30,000 Capital Campaign
The first vegan cookbook published in the United States, The Vegan Kitchen (1965) by Freya Dinshah, was created in this very kitchen.
Decades ago, Freya developed and tested her groundbreaking recipes here, helping to shape the early vegan movement in the U.S. Today, that same kitchen sits inside our headquarters. And this historic place of education, creativity, and community needs your help.
We are using Zeffy for this campaign which ensures that 100 percent of your donation goes to the American Vegan Society.
Why This Remodel Is Needed
The kitchen is now many decades old and has suffered significant damage over time. Long-hidden plumbing leaks caused serious deterioration behind the walls and under the floor—especially beneath the sink, dishwasher, and adjacent laundry area. Rotten floorboards, compromised wall structures, and outdated plumbing have made the space unsafe and unusable for programming.
As a result, we are currently unable to host cooking demonstrations at our headquarters, limiting one of the most engaging and practical forms of vegan education we offer.
Photos will be updated as work progresses.
What We’re Building
We are restoring and reimagining this kitchen, honoring its history while preparing it for the future.
Work already underway includes:
- Removing damaged cabinets, walls, and fixtures
- Created a temporary, makeshift kitchen (small sink) in another room so staff can function
- Replaced leaking pipe in kitchen wall from second floor through to basement
- Rebuilding sink-base cabinet to reuse wonderful vintage one-piece porcelain double-bowl sink with draining boards
- Building new base cabinets and workstations topped with historic, ultra-durable porcelain laboratory tabletops once used by Jay Dinshah’s father. These repurposed into countertops are beautiful, practical, and able to withstand hot pots with ease
The finished kitchen will feature:
- Rebuilt floor supports and walls with proper insulation
- Updated plumbing and electrical work
- An enlarged kitchen footprint by relocating the laundry area
- Dedicated workstations for hands-on workshops
- Clear sightlines for cooking demonstrations
- A clean, modern-yet-classic farmhouse style, incorporating meaningful historic elements
- A restored vintage double-bowl sink with integrated draining boards, mounted on a newly built base cabinet
- New energy-efficient appliances
Why It Matters
Once complete, this kitchen will allow us to:
- Host regular cooking demonstrations and workshops
- Teach practical vegan food preparation skills
- Support staff and interns, many of whom are new to vegan cooking, in their daily work
- Welcome visitors willing to travel to South Jersey for immersive, hands-on vegan education
This space will once again be a living classroom where history, compassion, and everyday skills meet.
Our Goal: $30,000
We are seeking $30,000 to complete this kitchen remodel. Funds raised will directly support demolition, mold remediation, structural repairs, plumbing, electrical work, floors and walls, cabinetry, appliances, and the inevitable surprises that come with restoring a historic space.
The project is already underway, and the pace of completion will be determined by funding, with the goal of finishing by summer 2026.
We are especially grateful for early support from longtime life member and donor Samuel Gerard, whose seed gift reflects his confidence in this project and in the future of vegan education. He says,
“I invest in AVS because it is one of the most important organizations on this planet. The Landmark Vegan Kitchen needs to be saved, and this remodel will preserve it for decades to come. I invite you to join me in making this project a reality.”
Click here to read the full message from Samuel Gerard.
We are happy to recognize donors or you may donate anonymously.
Looking Ahead: Accessibility
If we exceed our kitchen goal, additional funds will be directed toward our next phase: installing an accessible bathroom on the main floor. Currently, all restrooms require using the stairs, which limits access for some visitors. This future improvement will help ensure our space is welcoming to everyone.
An Invitation
By contributing to this project, you’re not just renovating a kitchen. You’re helping restore a piece of vegan history and ensuring it continues to serve the movement for generations to come.
Freya Dinshah’s legacy began here. With your help, it will continue here.
Suggested giving levels tied to components
- $50
Helps cover demolition and mold remediation to prepare the historic space for rebuilding - $100
Assists in wall and floor repairs, updates electrical and plumbing that make the kitchen safe and functional again - $250
Supports purchases of insulation, drywall, flooring, paint, and more to refinish the beautiful functional kitchen - $500
Contributes to cabinets and appliances needed for hands-on workshops in the well-organized kitchen
Giving $1000+ makes a leadership-level investment in restoring The Vegan Kitchen. Recognition opportunities available. Please contact [email protected].
If payment by check is preferred, please write “Donation-Vegan Kitchen” in the memo and send to:
American Vegan Society, 56 Dinshah Drive, Malaga NJ 08328
We are using Zeffy for this campaign which ensures that 100 percent of your donation goes to the American Vegan Society.
56 Dinshah Drive, Malaga NJ 08328 856.694.2887
Copyright © 1960-2026
AVS is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, EIN 226058533. All donations made to the American Vegan Society are tax deductible in accordance with applicable law..