Veggie Bits

The Vegetarians of Washington are Holding the Second Annual Washington VegFest

If you happen to be in Seattle, Washington, on March 22 or 23, you might want to attend the Vegetarians of Washington VegFest. The event will be held in the Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. each day and will feature free food samples, cooking demonstrations, speakers, and display tables. For information, please visit <www.vegofwa.org>, or call (206) 706-2635.

The Vegetarian Resource Group Offers Two Online Lists for Vegetarians

If you have children, are thinking of adding children to your household, or are simply interested in the topic of raising vegetarian/vegan children, The Vegetarian Resource Group invites you to be a part of a network of vegetarian parents interested in exchanging ideas on topics such as creating tasty snacks for toddlers, the challenges of non-vegetarian family/friend gatherings, how to talk with your child about vegetarianism, helping kids handle peer pressure, even shopping resources for leather/wool alternatives! Currently, there are over 300 individuals on this list. Subscribe to VRG's parents' list at [email protected].

VRG-NEWS is the free electronic newsletter of The Vegetarian Resource Group. VRG-NEWS offers subscribers timely alerts, an answer to the question of the month, and updates to Vegetarian Journal. Also included are reviews of new products, announce-ments of new books and materials, and mention of VRG activities around the country. There are over 10,000 subscribers to this newsletter. You can subscribe by simply sending an e-mail to [email protected]. The subject of the e-mail doesn't matter, but the message body must read: SUB VRG-NEWS {your first and last name}. Do not include the {} when you enter your name. The newsletter will be sent to the e-mail address from which you are subscribing.

Calling for Nominations for VRG's Audrey Fluke Vegetarian Award and the Ruth E. Caring Award

In order to encourage positive work for vegetarianism, we have set up the Audrey Fluke Vegetarian Award (for an activist with words of encouragement) and the Ruth E. Caring Award.

Audrey Fluke maintained a positive outlook in the face of adversity. In 1982, she was one of the five founding members of The Vegetarian Resource Group. In her earlier years, Ms. Fluke had been active in the British vegetarian movement. It is no surprise that Audrey was a nurse; she was an extremely caring individual, always offering words of support. Even when Audrey was faced with health problems, she was consistently cheerful and encouraging. Sadly, Audrey passed away in November of 1998.

In honor of Audrey Fluke, The Vegetarian Resource Group offers a $100 award in her name to someone who continues the struggle for increasing awareness of vegetarianism, veganism, and ethical treatment of animals, but maintains a cheerful, positive, and supportive disposition. Individuals like her are extremely hard to come by, and we feel that they should be recognized for their energy and generosity.

The Ruth E. Caring Award is a $100 prize for a person who promotes vegetarianism showing empathy and support for others, while still fighting for justice. The nominee is able to work under less than ideal conditions and to make do with the resources he or she has. The selected individual strives to give encouragement to those who try and works to make change. He or she is able to see several sides of an issue and look at the full picture.

To nominate someone for the Audrey Fluke Vegetarian Award or the Ruth E. Caring Vegetarian Award, send your nomination(s) to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203, or e-mail [email protected]. Nominations become the property of The Vegetarian Resource Group. The deadline is April 30 of each year.

Kelp Noodles

Sea Tangle Noodle Company has a new product called Kelp Noodles. These noodles, made from sea kelp, are available in Korean grocery stores nationwide. The noodle has a neutral flavor and a slightly crunchy, yet tender texture. They are high in calcium and can be added to salads or tossed with your favorite dressing or sauce.

For information, contact Sea Tangle Noodle Company, 530 Quarry Road, San Marcos, CA 92069, or call (760) 744-3066.

Organic Mustard with a Twist!

Annie's Naturals has come out with several new flavors of mustard. Although two of the varieties contain honey, their Organic Horseradish Mustard is vegan. The major ingredients in this innovative product are organic mustard, organic prepared horseradish, and garlic powder. Look for this new product in natural foods stores.

To learn more about this item, contact Annie's Naturals, 792 Foster Hill Road, North Calais, VT 05650, or call (800) 434-1234 or (802) 434-8866. You can also visit the company's website at <www.anniesnaturals.com>.

Incredible Vegan Alternative Chicken Tenders, Nuggets, and Breasts, Vegan Ham, and Vegan Fish Steaks

Vegefarm Corporation has come out with an extensive frozen line of vegan alternative "meats" and "fish" that received rave reviews by attendees at the most recent Natural Products Expo East, held in Washington, D.C. This new food line is made primarily from high fiber textured soy protein, soy protein isolate, and natural flavors that are vegetable-based. The vegan fish steak gets its fishy taste from seaweed. This company also sells vegan "tuna" salad in 52.9-ounce containers, as well as vegan hot dogs. The next time you visit a vegetarian or vegan Asian restaurant that uses "fake meats," you may want to recommend this new line since many other "fake meats" contain whey or egg whites.

For further information, contact Vegefarm Corp., 877 Azusa Avenue, City of Industry, CA 91745, or call (877) 877-VEGE or (626) 581-0889.

Health is Wealth Offers Three New Varieties of Spring Rolls

Throwing a party soon? You might want to serve Health is Wealth's new vegan spring rolls, which come in three flavors: Thai, Spicy, and Southwest. Children and adults alike will love these convenient fingerfoods. Simply heat them up in your oven, and enjoy!

To obtain more information, contact Health is Wealth, Inc., 1051-A Sykes Lane, Williamstown, NJ 08094, or call (856) 728-1998. You can visit the company's website at <www.healthiswealthfoods.com>.

Attention: Vegan Bakers

Thanks to Edward & Sons Trading Company, Inc., vegan baking has come a long way. This terrific company has just introduced vegan powdered confectioners sugar, as well as vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips produced by a company that only produces vegan chips (therefore no chance of dairy contamination on the equipment). Use these two new products along with the vegan organic sprinkles this company distributes.

For more information, contact Edward & Sons Trading Company, Inc., P.O. Box 1326, Carpinteria, CA 93014, or call (805) 684-8500. Visit the company's website at <www.edwardandsons.com>.

Dijon Style Nayonaise

Nasoya has added a new flavor to its line of vegan mayonnaise. Dijon Style Nayonaise is absolutely delicious! It would make a great addition to your favorite sandwich. Dijon Style Nayonaise comes in a 14-ounce jar and can be found in your local natural foods store.

For further information, you can contact Nasoya through Vitasoy USA, Inc., One New England Way, Ayer, MA 01432, or call (800) 4-NASOYA. You can also visit the company's website at <www.vitasoy-usa.com>.