(no subject)

[bucketofpuke]

If I go to the grocery store, I sometimes end up shopping for my whole family, who are almost vegetarian. I often buy things that contain non-vegan items, or meat or diary products. Whenever I'm staying with my dad, I buy him peppered bacon from a local farmer whose farm I've worked on, and I know he treats his animals with respect and goes to extensive lengths to see that they don't suffer. Whenever I stop by, I sometimes end up getting some steaks for my dad, since he hardly has time to go to the store and when he does, ends up getting food from corporate suppliers. I've never asked to be reimbursed for my money if I'm shopping for my father, mainly because he doesn't have much cash and the smile on his face and the knowledge that he'll enjoy his food is enough (and knowing that the animals are not only organic-raised, but are healthy and free range).

So where do you stand on buying food for others? Are you willing to buy them whatever they want (even if it means buying factory-farmed), or do you suggest organic choices or vegan options? Do you spend your own money on their food, or do you ask to be repaid? Has anyone ever stopped you in a store to ask you about it? (Which happened today, which promted these questions -- I have a big "VEGAN" patch on my jacket and often get stopped and asked questions, especially if I have a bunch of dairy or chicken in my basket.)

I'm curious, I don't want to start a brawl about what is right and wrong. Maybe this can even help some people who may be curious. =)