At Thanksgiving, turkey is typically the star of the show, but one local vegan is helping those in need this holiday season and sharing his healthy lifestyle.

Richard Hubbard, of Torrington, CT, is helping families in the Fairfield, Bridgeport and Torrington communities to enjoy a plant-based Thanksgiving this year with donations this week to Operation Hope in Fairfield, the Bridgeport Rescue Mission and Friendly Hands Food Bank in Torrington.

For the eighth year in a row, Hubbard is donating bags of groceries filled with fresh fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, organic broccoli, pomegranates and organic berries, and grains such as quinoa to feed families in need practicing, or interested in trying, a plant-based diet. Each donation will feed a family of four, complete with vegan pumpkin pie.

“I know there is a need, local food pantries have been asking for vegan meals for some of the families they serve,” said Hubbard, himself a practicing vegan for the last four years. “For those that are curious about a plant-based diet, I want them to realize how good they can feel.”

Hubbard made the switch to a plant-based diet as part of a weight-loss journey. As he adopted healthier eating habits and lost 150 pounds, Hubbard went vegan for health and ethical reasons. Through a GoFundMe page he raised $315 for this year’s donation effort, and as Housatonic Community College’s webmaster for nearly 10 years, he focused on helping families in the greater Bridgeport area and at home.

“This donation means a lot. We accumulate vegan items for the people that don’t eat meat, and we try to please everybody,” said Christian Vazquez of the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, which provides more than 655,000 meals each year.

Caption For Photo Right: Practicing vegan Richard Hubbard is donating plant-based meals to those in need this Thanksgiving season.

Caption For Photo Right: Hubbard drops off bags filled with produce, vegetables and grains and vegan pumpkin pies to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.