Vance Allen Lehmkuhl | |
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 Vance Allen Lehmkuhl at the 2012 NAVS Vegetarian Summerfest at UPittJohnstown in Johnstown PA, with Chef AJ and others | |
| Born | B:3 May 1962 |
| Occupations |
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| Known for |
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| Movement | Veganism |
| Children | 1 son |
| Website | LinkedIn profile |
Vance Lehmkuhl is an American vegan author, journalist, cartoonist, musician, and historical consultant based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is best known for creatively promoting veganism through humor, music, public speaking, and published works.
Lehmkuhl began his public career as a cartoonist and columnist in Philadelphia, where he focused on vegan and environmental issues. He created The Joy of Soy, a collection of vegan-themed newspaper columns, and The Green Beings, a musical cartoon band featuring humorous songs promoting plant-based values. He has lectured for decades at the NAVS Vegetarian Summerfest.
He wrote and illustrated the syndicated cartoon Edgy Veggies [1] for the Philadelphia City Paper and later penned the "V for Veg" column [2] [3] for the Philadelphia Daily News and The Philadelphia Inquirer, covering vegan culture, local advocacy, and sustainability.
Lehmkuhl currently serves as Director of the American Vegan Center in Philadelphia and Communications Director for the American Vegan Society in Malaga, New Jersey. In these roles, he leads outreach initiatives including public talks, vegan history walking tours, and media engagement to promote plant-based awareness. [4] [5] [6] [7] The Center’s launch generated discussion online, including on Reddit. [8]
In 2025, Lehmkuhl published Revolutionary Peace: How Philadelphia Launched the U.S. Vegetarian and Vegan Movement, a historical account of Philadelphia's pioneering role in American plant-based advocacy. [9]
Lehmkuhl and his wife, who is also a musician, reside in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, along with his son. All three are practicing vegans.
In 2005, Lehmkuhl launched *Vegcast*, one of the earliest vegan-themed podcasts, which ran for over 120 episodes. [10]
Lehmkuhl has composed and performed several musical works as part of *The Green Beings*. Albums include:
Lehmkuhl was a longtime columnist for the *Philadelphia Daily News* and *The Philadelphia Inquirer*, where he addressed plant-based living, environmental issues, and culture. His notable work includes:
Archived writings are accessible via Inquirer.com or the Wayback Machine.
Lehmkuhl has appeared on numerous vegan advocacy platforms. In 2023, he was interviewed on *Teagan Goes Vegan* about his media work and historical research.