The VRG's Maryland Newsletter by Laura McGuiness
February, 2015

  1. VEGAN MEALS FOR YOU, PROCEEDS FOR VRG - GREAT SAGE BENEFIT DAY FEBRUARY 22, 2015
  2. THE THERAPIST FOR VEGANS
  3. VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS
  4. MARYLAND AREA EVENTS
  5. VEGETARIAN ESSAY CONTEST
  6. PIZZA STUDIO
  7. VEGETARIAN SCHOLARSHIP-NOTE FROM IZZY PEZZULO 2014 VRG SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
  8. FIELD ROAST: 100% VEGAN MEAT PARODY VIDEO
  9. DIETARY REFERENCE INTAKES CALCULATOR FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
  10. MATCHING DONATIONS
  11. VRG'S YAHOO PARENT'S GROUP
  12. AMAZON SMILE: PURCHASE THROUGH AMAZON AND MAKE A DONATION TO VRG
  13. DONATE YOUR CAR TO A GOOD CAUSE
  14. BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR FOR VRG
  15. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS - CULTURED DEXTROSE SOURCE, WEIGHT LOSS - VEGAN STYLE, $20,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS, NEW VEGAN RESTAURANTS, AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NURSING, CULINARY TRENDS IN 2015, SENIOR LIVING, AND MORE
  16. ABOUT THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP

1) VEGAN MEALS FOR YOU, PROCEEDS FOR VRG - GREAT SAGE BENEFIT DAY FEBRUARY 22, 2015

Support The Vegetarian Resource Group while enjoying your favorite vegan dishes from Great Sage! On February 22, 2015, Great Sage in Clarksville, MD will be generously donating 10% of the day's proceeds to VRG. Try their 'Crabbie' Grilled Cheese, "a layer of [their] famous 'crab cake' between sharp cashew 'cheddar,' baby spinach, and whole wheat toast" or their Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes, "topped with soy whip and served with a caramel glaze"!

You can check out the rest of Great Sage's amazing all-vegan menu items here:
[ http://greatsage.com/menu/ ]

Great Sage is located at:

5809 Clarksville Square Drive
Clarksville, MD 21029

and open 10 AM-9 PM on Sunday.

Although this will not be a formal group gathering, our Outreach Coordinator, Nina, and other VRG volunteers will be available during brunch hours (10 AM-3 PM) to answer any questions you may have or to just chat! We will also have copies of the Vegetarian Journal and literature available for you to take home. We look forward to seeing you and thank you in advance for your support!

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2) THE THERAPIST FOR VEGANS

Providing individual and couple counseling. Sometimes you need to talk to someone who sees the world the same way you do.

Beth Levine, LCSW-C, Rockville, MD
[email protected]
www.BethLevineCounseling.com

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3) VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS

MARYLAND AREA OUTREACH EVENTS
NATIONAL (OUTSIDE OF MARYLAND AREA) EVENTS:

If you would like to volunteer at any of these events, contact Nina at [email protected].

If you would like to donate towards our veggie outreach, donate at:
[ http://www.vrg.org/donate ] .

Donations can also be sent to

The Vegetarian Resource Group
P.O. Box 1463
Baltimore, MD 21203

Or call: (410) 366-8343.

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4) MARYLAND AREA EVENTS

VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN MEET-UPS IN BALTIMORE, MD
  • The Vegetarian Meet-up happens at

    Mango Grove
    8865 Stanford Boulevard
    Columbia, Maryland 21045

    on the first Sunday each month at 12:30 PM.

  • The Vegan Meet-up takes place at

    Mr. Chan Szechuan
    1000 Reisterstown Rd. Pikesville, MD

    on the third Wednesday every month at 7 PM. If you are vegan or vegetarian and would like to eat great food while socializing with others who share your interests, attend a meet-up!

For more information about EarthSave's Vegan and Vegetarian Baltimore Meet-ups,

BALTIMORE VEGAN DRINKS' MONTHLY MEETUP

Vegan Drinks will be hosting their monthly event on February 14th at Artifact Coffee (located at 1500 Union Ave., Baltimore, MD 21211) for wine, cocktails, and savories. Chocolates and sweet delicacies will be provided by Pure Chocolate by Jinji. Come have a very vegan Valentine's Day with vegan chocolate and wine!

To RSVP, please visit: [ https://www.facebook.com/BaltimoreVeganDrinks ]

For more information about Vegan Drinks, visit:

SPEND YOUR TUESDAYS DISCUSSING CURRENT ISSUES IN WHOLE-FOOD PLANT-BASED NUTRITION

Held at 7:00 PM on the second Tuesday of every month at varying locations, The Baltimore Whole Food Plant-Based Nutrition Meet-Up meets to discuss some of the current topics and issues in whole-food plant-based nutrition.

This month, join us for The Proof is in the Blood: Lab Tests to Request From Your Healthcare Provider. This event will be held on Tuesday, February 10th at Mark's Place (located at 6711 Park Heights Ave., Clubhouse Condos, Baltimore, MD 21215).

Meet-up fee is $5.00 per person.

For more information, visit:
[ http://www.meetup.com/Baltimore-Whole-Food-Plant-Based-Nutrition/ ]

DINEKIND

Dinekind Harford meets monthly to share information on the benefits of a plant-based diet. On the first Friday of each month at the McFaul Activity Center in BelAir, Maryland, everybody enjoys a plant-based dinner followed by socializing and information sharing (such as a guest speaker, demonstration, or movie). The members potluck begins at 6:30 and the presentation starts one hour later.

Monthly activities include a members plant-based potluck, promoting Meatless Mondays and featuring a weekly recipe, staffing tables at events for health, animal welfare, and the environment, creating a Harford County veg-friendly dining guide, Plant-based professionals guide, movie nights/book discussions, and visits to places such as restaurants and animal shelters. This month, the meeting will be: Vegetarian Veterinarian.

For more information, visit: [ http://www.dinekindharford.com/ ]

OPEN THE CAGES ALLIANCE

Registration is open for the 2015 Baltimore Vegan Living Program. The Vegan Living Program (VLP) is a series of educational events that tell you everything you need to know about living vegan. Each spring, we host Vegan Pledges who pledge to live vegan for the 5-week program, with the help of volunteer Vegan Coaches. VLP is mandatory for anybody that wants to be a pledge or coach; there are six sessions which will be held at Mt. Royal Elementary/Middle School, 121 McMechen St., Baltimore, MD 21217. On April 18th, half the participants will take a field trip to Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary, 15200 Mt. Nebo Road, Poolesville, MD 20837 and the other half will view a film; on April 25th we will switch.

  • Saturday March 28th 3:00-6:00 PM @ Mt. Royal Elem. -
    Coach/Pledge Intros & Meal Prep Demo with Ihsan Bey of Son Dey's
    Vegan Pop Up Cafe and Kyle Harvey of Alternative Cultures.
  • Saturday April 4th 3:00-5:00 PM @ Mt. Royal Elem. -
    Vegan Nutrition with Dr. Ruby Lathon of Roadmap to Holistic Health.
  • Saturday April 11th 3:00-5:00 PM @ Mt. Royal Elem. -
    Making the Connection: Sustaining Veganism by Understanding the Big Picture with Brenda Sanders of Better Health Better Life.
  • Saturday April 18th - Participants divide into two groups...

    • 12:00-2:00 PM -
      Field Trip to Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Poolesville, Maryland.
      Tour with Co-Founder Terry Cummings
    • 3:00-5:00 PM @ Mt Royal Elem. -
      Film screening: “Cowspiracy”
      sponsored by the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College
  • Saturday April 25th - Participants divide into two groups...

    • 12:00-2:00 PM -
      Field Trip to Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Poolesville, Maryland. Tour with Co-Founder Terry Cummings
    • 3:00-5:00 PM @ Mt Royal Elem. -
      Film screening: “Cowspiracy” sponsored by the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College
  • Saturday May 2nd 3:00-5:00 PM @ Mt. Royal Elem. -
    Vegan Pledge Graduation!

Not yet vegan? Be a Vegan Pledge! Read all about it at
www.VeganLivingProgram.org,
and register online here:
[ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BmoreVeganPledge2015 ]

Are you vegan? Be a Vegan Coach! Read all about it at
www.VeganLivingProgram.org,
and register online here:
[ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BmoreVeganPledge2015 ] .
(New Coaches, please see Orientation info!)

Vegan-curious, but not ready to pledge? Come to the educational sessions! (Only Pledges & Coaches must pre-register.)

Volunteer! Help us promote the VLP, or lend a hand at the program itself. Contact [email protected].

MONTHLY COOKING CLASSES

Taking place on Sunday, February 8, 2015 from 10 AM to 1 PM in Fairfax Station, VA, is a cooking class all about comfort foods! Put a healthy slant on foods that satisfy and de-stress. Kid-friendly recipes will include some of the following:

  • Fully Loaded Nachos
  • Meatloaf/gravy/yam fries
  • Shepherd’s Pie
  • Goulash
  • Corn Dogs
  • Hush Puppies
  • Mac & Cheese
  • Roasted Vegetable Pizza
  • Chicken-free
  • Noodle Soup w/ Beyond Meat
  • Winter Greens w/ Cashew Cream
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
  • Nutty Noodles
  • Baked Ziti
  • Onion Rings
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Chocolate Pudding

No meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, or honey. $55/person; $100/two people; $50/VSDC, VRG, or COK members. Demonstration classes include recipes, organic food samples, manufacturers' samples coupons. Gift certificates are available for purchase.

Email [email protected] or call 703-643-2713 for space availability. Make checks payable to Mimi Clark and mail to

9302 Hallston Ct.
Fairfax Station, VA 22039

Sorry, no phone or e-mail reservations and no walk-ins. Seventy-two hour cancellation policy for refund or credit. Class subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not met.

Check website for monthly class updates:
[ http://www.veggourmet.wordpress.com ]

MARYLANDVEGEVENTS.COM
Marylandvegevents.com is a one stop calendar site for all MD/DC vegan and vegetarian events. If you are looking to network, socialize, and/or engage in social activism you will find plenty of opportunities here. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or interested in trying vegetarianism/veganism, you will find many exciting and fulfilling events.

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5) VEGETARIAN ESSAY CONTEST

I just saw the notice in the VRG Journal of the Essay contest for 2015. The winner for 2014 wrote a great essay, and she also has the same name and is the same age as one of my granddaughters. I am spurred by that to say that I would like to see the contest prize increased to $50.00, and I will donate the additional $25.

Bill Matturro

For essay contest information, see
[ http://www.vrg.org/essay/ ]

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6) PIZZA STUDIO

Pizza Studio Is scheduled to open in Charles Village at 3201 St. Paul Street. The Charles Village restaurant is expected to be the first of several in the region, with a second already planned to open in February in Washington DC’s Dupont Circle. Pizza Studios say they have vegan and vegetarian options. They appear to have an option of no cheese on pizzas.

[ http://www.pizzastudio.com/ ]

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7) VEGETARIAN SCHOLARSHIP-NOTE FROM IZZY PEZZULO 2014 VRG SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

I'll never forget how the VRG Scholarship continues to change my life. I'm now attending the University of Richmond, where I'm currently rocking the vegan lifestyle and looking to promote it by baking my peers vegan cookies, and potentially starting a vegetarian society on campus.

Without VRG, all of this might not have been possible, and I am truly grateful. Over the holiday I've had time to reflect on the parts of my life that are so influential to who I am today. I owe VRG a huge thanks for making me successful in my switch to veganism, and now my education as well.

-Izzy

To see Izzy's past work, go to
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/05/12/isabella-pezzulo-is-a-5000-vrg-college-scholarship-winner-from-florida/ ]

Deadline for the 2015 scholarship contest is February 20, 2015.

For details, go to
[ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]

If you would like to donate towards scholarships, internships, or other VRG go to www.vrg.org/donate

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8) FIELD ROAST: 100% VEGAN MEAT PARODY VIDEO

I have been vegan for nearly twelve years now but I am alone in that regard. My entire family grew up in the stereotypical Mid-western farmer kind of house where not eating meat was blasphemy, let alone the hogwash that was my non-dairy lifestyle. Paired with that lifestyle was another: the city slicker, fast-food consuming family who watched TV and viewed those ridiculous hyperbolic commercials that worked to label burgers a "man's" food. They were always rather humorous to me, which is probably why Field Roast's parody video made me laugh so hard.

Not only does Field Roast make fantastic celebration roasts (I'm partial to their Hazelnut Cranberry Roast En Croute), this video shows that they seem to have a pretty good sense of humor. Anybody who grew up in a society that tried to inculcate the importance of meat- eating will appreciate the thinly veiled joke in this video; but, not only did this strike my funny bone, it maintained the traditional methods in which a parody would act as a facilitator for a wider-reaching, sometimes even political topic.

For me, personally, this commercial was the dawning of a new era. It was a new type of commercial, one that the next generation will see played on TV and (being too naive to realize the humor in it all) will take at face value and compare with the other similar commercials. Twelve years ago when I was sitting in front of my television watching the Burger King commercials and failing to understand the importance of meat, I never would have thought a commercial would appear for vegan entrees. Now, in 2015, I have hope for what the next few years will bring and I applaud Field Roast for contributing to a new era of ethical, humane, and conscious eaters.

To view the video, visit: [ http://youtu.be/Cz_dBXpX3kg ]

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9) DIETARY REFERENCE INTAKES CALCULATOR FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

The Dietary Reference Intakes Calculator for Health Professionals is a recently released free app from the USDA. This handy calculator is available in both Apple and Android versions and as a web-based tool. While targeted at health professionals, especially registered dietitians, this calculator can be easily used by anyone. You put in height, weight, age, sex and an estimate of activity level and the calculator instantly reports BMI, calorie recommendations, and recommendations for protein, fat, carbohydrates, water, vitamins and minerals. If you have questions about any of the nutrients, you can tap the screen for additional information. Most of the vitamins and minerals are linked to the National Institutes of Health’s excellent fact sheets. The app also allows users to read about the Dietary Reference Intakes which are what daily nutrient recommendations are based on. Nutrition education resources for diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, weight management, and other conditions are easily accessed from this app. This app does not tell you whether or not your diet meets recommendations – for that you can use USDA’s SuperTracker, vegan RD Jack Norris’ Peacounter, or other software. I’ve recommended the web-based version of this calculator for several years; I’m happy to recommend this app. Reed Mangels, PhD, RD

For more information about this app, visit:
[ http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/dietary-guidance/dietary-reference-intakes/dietary-reference-intake-calculator-healthcare ]

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10) MATCHING DONATIONS

Don't forget that many employers will match your donation to nonprofits such as The Vegetarian Resource Group, often up to $5,000. A partial list of employers that match can be seen here at www.vrg.org/donate by checking "employer to match" and clicking on "Please Select."

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11) VRG'S YAHOO PARENT'S GROUP

Are you or someone you know raising a vegetarian or vegan child? If so, you may want to join a network of parents interested in exchanging ideas on various vegetarian/vegan topics including: finding a vegan summer camp, vegan dining options at Disney World, what can I pack in my child’s lunchbox, how have you and your child dealt with the dissection issue in school, can you recommend a veggie-friendly pediatrician or dietitian, is there a veggie children’s group in my area, etc.

For more information on this online Yahoo Group see:
[ https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/vrgparents/info ]

- See more at: [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/#sthash.5FYvbZEF.dpuf ]

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12) AMAZON SMILE: PURCHASE THROUGH AMAZON AND MAKE A DONATION TO VRG

Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Vegetarian Resource Group whenever you shop on AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.

Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at
[ http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1279034 ]

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13) DONATE YOUR CAR TO A GOOD CAUSE

A free, convenient service for converting that extra car, truck, or RV into a tax deductible donation benefiting The Vegetarian Resource Group. You can donate online or call 877-999-8322 to make your donation.

Start now by clicking on "Donate Now" below. If you are not ready to donate, find out about donating your vehicle by browsing all the valuable information and links on our site at: [ http://www.v-dac.com/org/?id=52127903 ]

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14) BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR FOR VRG

The Vegetarian Resource Group greatly appreciates the support given by our monthly donors. You can join our monthly giving group with a minimum gift of just $10 a month by going to www.vrg.org/donate. You will be part of a network of givers who support our outreach efforts on an ongoing basis. These donations allow us to continue vegan education in a wide variety of venues including schools, doctor and dietitian offices, libraries, various professional conferences, animal rights events, health fairs, environmental festivals, and much more. Thank you for your support!

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15) VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS - CULTURED DEXTROSE SOURCE, WEIGHT LOSS - VEGAN STYLE, $20,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS, NEW VEGAN RESTAURANTS, AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NURSING, CULINARY TRENDS IN 2015, SENIOR LIVING, AND MORE

THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP OFFERS TWO $5,000 SCHOLARSHIPS PLUS ONE $10,000
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/23/the-vegetarian-resource-group-offers-two-5000-scholarships-plus-one-10000-scholarship/ ]
IT'S NOT TOO EARLY TO START THINKING ABOUT VALENTINE'S DAY
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/21/warm-morning-beverages/ ]
WARM MORNING BEVERAGES
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/21/warm-morning-beverages/ ]
FILED ROAST: WE ARE VEGAN MEATS
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/21/field-roast-we-are-vegan-meats/ ]
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SENIOR INDEPENDENT OR ASSISTED LIVING ESTABLISHMENT THAT IS VEG-FRIENDLY
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/20/are-you-looking-for-a-senior-independent-or-assisted-living-establishment-that-is-veg-friendly/ ]
"VEGAN MENU FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES" IS LIVE IN THE KINDLE STORE
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/15/vegan-menu-for-people-with-diabetes-is-live-in-the-kindle-store/ ]
CULTURED DEXTROSE: DAIRY-DERIVED?
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/14/cultured-dextrose-dairy-derived/ ]
MORNINGSTAR FARMS ISSUED AN ALLERGY ALERT AND VOLUNTARY, PRECAUTIONARY RECALL OF SPICY BLACK BEAN BURGERS AND CHIPOTLE BLACK BEAN BURGERS IN THE U.S. DUE TO UNDECLARED PEANUT ALLERGEN
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/13/morningstar-farms-issued-an-allergy-alert-and-voluntary-precautionary-recall-of-spicy-black-bean-burgers-and-chipotle-black-bean-burgers-in-the-u-s-due-to-undeclared-peanut-allergen/ ]
CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL ENCOURAGING CUSTOMERS TO TRY SOFRITAS
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/13/chipotle-mexican-grill-encouraging-customers-to-try-sofritas/ ]
"VEGANS KNOW HOW TO PARTY" IS LIVE IN THE KINDLE STORE
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/12/vegans-know-how-to-party-is-live-in-the-kindle-store/ ]
THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP ANNUAL VIDEO CONTEST: FOUR $250 AWARDS
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/09/the-vegetarian-resource-group-annual-video-contest-four-250-awards/ ]
WEIGHT LOSS--VEGAN STYLE
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/09/weight-loss-vegan-style/ ]
THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP IS AWARDING $20,000 IN SCHOLARSHIP MONEY TO HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS GRADUATING IN 2015
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/06/the-vegetarian-resource-group-is-awarding-20000-in-scholarship-money-to-high-school-seniors-graduating-in-2015/ ]
NEW VEGAN RESTAURANTS ADDED TO VRG'S VEGGIE RESTAURANT GUIDE
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/01/02/new-vegan-restaurants-added-to-vrgs-veggie-restaurant-guide/ ]
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/12/31/thank-you-so-much-for-your-support/ ]
FAVORITE RESTAURANT CHAINS FOR VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN OPTIONS
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/12/31/favorite-restaurant-chains-for-vegetarian-and-vegan-options/ ]
THE VETO CARNIVORE AND VETO VEGETARIAN
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/12/30/the-veto-carnivore-and-veto-vegetarian/ ]
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NURSING
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/12/29/american-journal-of-nursing/ ]
WHAT'S HOT IN CULINARY TRENDS FOR 2015?
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2014/12/29/whats-hot-in-culinary-trends-for-2015/ ]

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16) ABOUT THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP

Our health professionals, activists, and educators work with businesses and individuals to bring about healthful changes in your school, workplace, and community. Registered dietitians and physicians aid in the development of nutrition-related publications and answer member and media questions about vegetarian diets. The Vegetarian Resource Group is a non-profit organization. Financial support comes primarily from memberships, donations, bequests, and book sales. The Vegetarian Journal, a print magazine, is a benefit of membership in The VRG. (For more information, please see the Vegetarian Journal online at: [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/) ]

To sign up for the The Vegetarian Resource Group national email newsletter, please visit:
[ http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/ ]

We are also on Facebook and Twitter!!

If you would like to make a donation, become a member, volunteer, or find out more about The VRG, contact us at:

The Vegetarian Resource Group
P.O. Box 1463
Baltimore, MD 21203
Phone: (410) 366-8343
Fax: (410) 366-8804
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: [ http://www.vrg.org/ ]

To donate:
[ http://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?Action=GC&CID=1565/ ]

Copyright The Vegetarian Resource Group 2015 The contents of this newsletter, and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your own best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own.

If you were forwarded this message and would like to sign up for our monthly local email newsletter, please see our website:
[ http://www.vrg.org/local/ ] .

If you do not wish to receive the Local Email Newsletter, visit
[ http://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-maryland_lists.vrg.org ]

Instructions for unsubscribing will appear at the bottom of the page.

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