Notes from The VRG Scientific Department
VEGAN Education and Activism
VRG Nutrition Advisor Reed Mangels, PhD, RD, was part of a panel, called Plant-Powered Women, organized by the North Carolina State University Sustainability Stewards. They discussed a variety of topics including sustainability, how to influence people to move towards a vegan diet, common misconceptions, places to buy vegan foods, and their own favorite vegan dishes. Dr. Mangels gave presentations at the New York WIC (Women Infants Children) Conference and the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Virtual Spring Assembly. She presented eight sessions on vegetarianism for families, adults, and teens for the San Jose (CA) Public Library System, assisted by Wendy Gabbe-Day from Santa Cruz VegFest and VRG interns and volunteers Rachel Eldering, Clarissa Hauber, Nina Lehr, and Lucia Rivera.
Dr. Mangels participated in an inter-disciplinary study on the future of plant-based alternatives to cow's milk in chocolate products. This was conducted by a global independent research organization, and should be of use to various food companies and others.
VRG had a virtual in-service for ten dietetic students from the University of Maryland. The students already have their undergrad nutrition degree and are doing one year internships (in hospitals, food services, etc.) towards earning registered dietitian certification. Two of those students chose to do a three-day rotation with VRG to learn more about vegan diets.
VRG 2020 intern Adhirai (Adhi) Muthukumar led a virtual class on legumes at Christopher's Place, a residential program for formerly homeless and incarcerated men. Adhi talked about health benefits and some easy recipes to incorporate more legumes. These vegan presentations are organized by VRG volunteer Marcy Schveibinz.
