1) ARE YOU VEGAN/VEGETARIAN AND HEADING OFF TO COLLEGE? APPLY FOR THE VRG SCHOLARSHIPS: TWO $5,000 SCHOLARSHIPS AND ONE $10,000 SCHOLARSHIP

Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, The Vegetarian Resource Group each year will award $20,000 in college scholarship money to graduating U.S. high school students who have promoted veganism/vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities. Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or fowl. Vegans are vegetarians who do not use other animal products such as dairy or eggs.

One award of $10,000 and two awards of $5,000 will be given. Entries may only be sent by students graduating from high school in spring 2016. Deadline is February 20, 2016. We will accept applications postmarked on or before February 20, 2016. Early submission is encouraged.

Applicants will be judged on having shown compassion, courage, and a strong commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a veggie diet/lifestyle. Payment will be made to the student's college (U.S. based only). Winners of the scholarships give permission to release their names to the media. Applications and essays become property of The Vegetarian Resource Group. We may ask finalists for more information. Scholarship winners are contacted by e-mail or telephone. Please look at your e-mail.

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

2) THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP INTERNSHIPS

Responsibilities for internships depend on background, major if in college, and interest of applicant. Tasks may include research, writing, and/or community outreach. Internships are especially helpful for students working towards journalism, English, and nutrition degrees. Business majors can obtain experience related to the business aspects of a non-profit organization. Activists can learn new skills and gain a broader knowledge, as well as share their expertise. Positions are open throughout the year for all ages (including high school students living in Baltimore). Let us know if you need credit for high school volunteer or service learning work or college credit, plus the amount of hours you need. Most internships are unpaid. If you would like to apply for a VRG internship, please email a resume, writing sample, and cover letter detailing your interests, skills, goals, and vegetarian knowledge to [email protected].

Eleanor Wolff Scholarship

The Eleanor Wolff Scholarship is a paid internship at the VRG office in Baltimore for a student who:

• Wants to be an effective change agent on behalf of vegetarianism. Is motivated to use knowledge gained from the internship to make a significant impact within his/her world.
• Could not participate in this development effort without a little financial assistance.

If you are interested in the needs based paid internship, please send a resume, writing sample, and cover letter detailing your interests, skills, goals, vegetarian knowledge and financial need to [email protected].

For more information, see:
[ http://www.vrg.org/student/index.php ]

3) THANK YOU TO VRG’S VOLUNTEERS

Thank you for all your hard work! Those at VRG would like to extend their gratitude to the following volunteers:

• Laura McGuiness
• Shani Stewart
• Hana Takemoto
• Carole Hamlin
• Ed Kim
• Casey Brown
• Matt Baker

4) VRG’S 34TH ANNUAL PRE-THANKSGIVING VEGAN POTLUCK DINNER

VRG’s 34th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Vegan Potluck Dinner took place at the North Baltimore Mennonite Church on November 22nd. While I helped some of VRG’s amazing volunteers set up, a stream of people trickled in, eventually growing to a crowd of over 120 people. With the event being a potluck, the tables overflowed with vegan dishes brought by generous visitors. Every dish I tasted was delicious: mashed sweet potatoes, stuffing, chili, vegan cheese dip, sushi, pumpkin pie, and pralines made up just a fraction of what was served that afternoon.

Although food was definitely a highlight of the event, the potluck was also an interesting learning experience. VRG staff members updated the audience on VRG’s new and exciting projects, and they stimulated discussion of food labels, organic products, sustainability, and more. I had the opportunity to share with everyone some of my experiences as an intern at VRG and as a vegan adolescent, which I hope was helpful for any teenagers in attendance who were interested in an internship at VRG. Many who came to the potluck were longtime vegans, but there were also a couple quite new to veganism. I had eye-opening conversations with people of different ages and backgrounds on a number of topics having to do with current news in the world of nutrition, veganism, and vegetarianism. What stood out to me the most as I spoke to the attendees was the apparent sense of community and support for VRG and the vegan movement, as well as the dedication to health, the planet, and ethically conscious lifestyles. I am definitely coming to VRG’s 35th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Vegan Potluck next year!

If you would like to help organize the potluck next year, please contact Megan at [email protected]. For more information about VRG internships, see
[ http://www.vrg.org/student/index.php ]

5) VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS

• Valley Vegfest
  Florence, MA - 4/2
  [ http://www.valleyveg.org/vegfest/ ]
• Berkeley Vegan Earth Day
  Berkeley, CA - 4/17
  [ http://berkeleyveganearthday.vegfoodevents.com/ ]

If you would like to volunteer at any of these events, contact Megan 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.

6) MARYLAND AREA EVENTS

VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN MEET-UPS IN BALTIMORE, MD

The Vegetarian Meet-up happens at Mango Grove, located at 8865 Stanford Boulevard, in Columbia, Maryland 21045, on the first Sunday each month at 12:30 PM. The Vegan Meet-up takes place at Mr. Chan Szechuan at 1000 Reisterstown Rd. in Pikesville 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,

• [ http://www.meetup.com/vegetarian-9/ ]
• [ http://www.meetup.com/The-Baltimore-Vegan-Meetup-Group/ ]

JOIN EARTHSAVE FOR A VEGAN POTLUCK

Held on the last Saturday every month at Towson Presbyterian Church, 400 W Chesapeake Ave. Towson, MD 21204, EarthSave presents a vegan potluck and presentation. They eat first, make announcements, vote and present awards for their favorite dishes, and then have a presentation. This month, on January 31st from 6 to 8 PM, there will be a potluck in Towson featuring Mark Rifkin’s “Six Ways to Vaccinate Yourself Against Cold and Flu Without a Needle.” This will give folks a chance to share some success stories and get to know each other better. Event will also feature cooking awards and some entertainment, as well.

We ask all attendees to RSVP by email at [email protected], or phone at 410-252-3043. Suggested donation for Earthsave members and guests who attend without bringing a vegan potluck dish is $20.00 (Advance Registration and Payment Required). donation for Earthsave members and guests who bring a vegan potluck dish to share is $10.00 (Payable at the door). Advance payment may be made by sending check or money order payable to

Don Robertson
517 Talbott Ave.
Lutherville, MD, 21093

or through Paypal payment to [email protected].

DINEKIND

Dinekind Harford, a lovely organization created in 2010, 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 Bel Air, 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, there will be a movie: Forks Over Knives. It will playing on Saturday, January 16,2016 at 6:30 PM located at 1010 Old Joppa Road, Joppa, MD.

The annual DineKind Harford Membership is $20/year. We accept cash or a check at the monthly meeting. The student rate is $10/year with possible sponsorships. As a member, you get $1 off the price of admission to the plant-based potluck, a welcome bag, and 10% off from David's Natural Grocery, as well as discounts and coupons to Harford County businesses. As part of the membership, there will be an annual fee in addition to the monthly plant-based potluck and presentation fee. The money collected goes towards potluck supplies, administrative use, and the overall mission of education people about the benefits of a plant-based diet.

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

FORKS OVER KNIVES MONTHLY POTLUCKS

This group is for those interested in trying or for those already committed to a whole food, plant based diet with none or very little oil, salt, or refined sugar. There is a monthly potluck where we sample delicious and healthy dishes, share recipes, learn, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Please bring a dish to serve 8-10 along with a copy of your recipe or ingredients list with your name included so others can identify who made each dish. The dishes should serve 8-10 and must be entirely plant-based (vegan) as well as low or entirely void of refined sugar, salt, and oil. Contributions of $3/person are appreciated to cover the cost of fees, room rental, and supplies.

This month, the group will be meeting Sunday, January 24 at 2:00PM at 6520 Martin Road, Columbia, MD.

For more information, visit:
[ http://www.meetup.com/Columbia-MD-Forks-Over-Knives-Meetup/ ]

BALTIMORE NUTRITION AS MEDICINE POTLUCK AND SUPPORT GROUP

This group meets on the second Friday of each month at 6:30 PM at the

Park Heights Community Health Alliance
4151 Park Heights Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21215

They typically show one or more short educational videos, often a cooking demonstration of something delicious and easy. And, of course, support, discussion, advice, and recipes, beginners welcome. Organized by a plant-based Registered Dietitian and also a plant-based Medical Doctor. Please bring a vegan dish to share if you can.

Please RSVP and visit at
[ http://www.meetup.com/Baltimore-Nutrition-As-Medicine-Potluck/ ]

If you have any questions, contact: [email protected] or 410-231-3323

BALTIMORE VEGAN LIVING PROGRAM

Registration is open for the 2016 Baltimore Vegan Living Program!

The Vegan Living Program (VLP) is a series of educational events that cover the hows and whys of vegan living, including the ethical and environmental implications of vegan lifestyles, nutrition, cooking, meal planning, and living vegan in a not-yet-vegan world.

Each spring, we host Vegan Pledges who pledge to live vegan for the 5-week program, with the help of volunteer Vegan Coaches. Vegan Pledges receive a binder full of resources and recipes, and a goody bag of free vegan stuff to make the transition easier and more fun! Open the Cages Alliance holds a VLP in Baltimore, and a sister program on Long Island in New York. The 2016 Baltimore Vegan Pledge will take place March 26th - April 30th. The VLP educational sessions in Baltimore are free and open to the public. For info see:
[ http://www.openthecages.org/vlp/index.html ]

7) THE VEGAN EGG AT ROOTS MARKET

Roots Market is now carrying the Follow Your Heart Vegan Egg! It is a Roots exclusive which is pretty exciting. It is now sold at Roots Market in Olney and Clarksville, Maryland.

For more information, visit:
[ http://followyourheart.com products/veganegg/ ]

8) UPDATE FROM 2015 VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

The Vegetarian Resource Group 2015 scholarship winner Chloe Falkenheim reported on her first semester in college.

"The first semester of college has gone very well! My courses are Environmental Studies, Principles of Economics, and Humans and Other Animals (a first-year seminar). I have been doing well in school and have written many papers in my seminar advocating for vegetarian diets.

I am in a vegetarian and mostly vegan food co-op, an organization where students share responsibility in cooking and cleaning meals. I am working with a group on campus called Real Food Oberlin, an organization committed to increasing Oberlin's percentage of sustainable, healthy, humane, fair food purchased. The Oberlin campus is not very aware of food-related issues, so I came up with the idea to hold events in all the freshman dorms to educate students. I met with dining services, Residential Education, and the freshman RAs to organize these events. In the events, we gave out local apples and crackers and Hampton Creek's Just Cookies (completely vegan cookies) and gave 15-minute workshops on food justice. 48 students went through our workshops the first weekend we held them in the first freshman dorm. We are holding another event this weekend in another dorm. I am also working with Hampton Creek to replace many products in the Oberlin dining hall with their products.

Oberlin has a winter term during the month of January where students can work on whatever project they choose. This winter term I will be interning at an company called Vaute Couture, which makes vegan and eco-friendly clothing. Through VegYouth, we held an online chat to help teens with activism and have had approximately 15 new members join the alliance."

Congratulations to Chloe for winning a Vegetarian Resource Group scholarship and continuing her activism.

Deadline for the 2016 college scholarships for current high school seniors February 20, 2016. See details on applying at:
[ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]

To support VRG scholarships or internships, you can donate at: www.vrg.org/donate

9) THE VEGAN MAC’N’CHEESE SMACKDOWN

This exciting event will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2016 from 3 PM - 6 PM at the Urban Business Center in Baltimore. The PEP Foods Collective would like to personally invite you to represent your organization in the competition and show the people of Baltimore how amazing vegan mac ’n cheese can be! We're inviting folks from Animal Rights, Public Health & Environmental organizations, as well as local restaurant & cafe owners and vegan caterers to compete in the Mac n Cheese Smackdown. We would love for you to be a part of this event!

For more information about the Mac 'n Cheese Smackdown and to register to compete, go to:
[ http://www.pepfoodsinc.com/fundraisers/#macncheese ]

10) MINDFUL MEDLEY: PRE-PORTIONED MEATLESS MEALS DELIVERED TO WASHINGTON, DC, VIRGINIA, AND NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA

Sherry Monahan writes:

Hello, I'm the marketing coordinator for Mindful Medley. We're a new start-up company who prepares pre-portioned meatless meal ingredients to homes. We deliver to D.C., Virginia, and North and South Carolina. We can customize for vegan, gluten-free, and more. We were hoping you might share this.

Our website with all the details is: www.mindfulmedley.com

11) RUTABAGA CRAFT JUICERY NOW OPEN IN ANNAPOLIS, MD

Rutabaga Craft Juicery is a vegetarian/juice bar conveniently located at 116 Annapolis St., Annapolis, MD 21401. This location has easy access to Rt. 50, Rt. 450, and downtown Annapolis. This juice bar offers premium cold-pressed juices and smoothies as well as a limited, and always changing, breakfast and lunch menu. The food is all-vegetarian, and you can often find vegan and/or gluten-free dishes available. Food is made daily in small quantities. Lunch items are available from 11 AM until they are sold out each day. The owner/operators encourage you to call ahead to find out what’s on the menu, as well as to ask if there’s anything left!

Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch. Closed Sunday.
Counter service, vegan options, fresh juices, take-out
VISA/MC/DISC, $

Visit: [ http://www.rutabagajuicery.com/ ]

12) 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."

13) 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 ]

14) 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 ]

15) 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 ]

16) 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!

17) VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS BECOMING A VEGAN CHEF, WORKING IN A VEGAN RESTAURANT, VEGAN GIRL SCOUT COOKIES?, VEGAN STUDENT IN A CULINARY AND NUTRITION PROGRAM, WHITE CASTLE, VEGAN GUM?, STEARIC ACID, B12, VEGAN SNACKS FOR ATHLETES, AND MORE...

BECOMING A VEGAN CHEF, WORKING IN A VEGAN RESTAURANT, AND MORE

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/01/05/becoming-a-vegan-chef-working-in-a-vegan-restaurant-and-more-by-angie-riccio/ ]

THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE FLUENT IN SPANISH

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/01/04/the-vegetarian-resource-group-is-looking-for-volunteers-who-are-fluent-in-spanish/ ]

MAKERS OF GIRL SCOUT COOKIES PROMOTING SOME AS VEGAN

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/12/29/makers-of-girl-scouts-cookies-promoting-some-as-vegan/ ]

BEING A VEGAN STUDENT IN THE JOHNSON AND WALES CULINARY ARTS AND NUTRITION

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/12/28/being-a-vegan-student-in-the-johnson-and-wales-culinary-arts-and-nutrition-program-by-angie-riccio/ ]

WHITE CASTLE REMOVES L-CYSTEINE FROM VEGGIE SLIDER BUN; PROMPTED BY VEGANS

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/12/24/white-castle-removes-l-cysteine-from-veggie-slider-bun-prompted-by-vegans-by-jeanne-yacoubou-ms/ ]

EGGS AND INDUSTRIAL FARMS

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/12/23/eggs-and-industrial-farms/ ]

BLIND FAITH CAFE IN EVANSTON, ILLINOIS

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/12/23/blind-faith-cafe-in-evanston-illinois-by-hana-takemoto/ ]

HERSHEY’S, BUBBLE YUM, AND ICE BREAKERS ICE CUBES GUM: VEGAN? GUM BASES AND GUM SOFTENERS

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/12/22/hersheys-bubble-yum-and-ice-breakers-ice-cubes-gum-vegan-gum-bases-and-gum-softeners-by-jeanne-yacoubous-ms/ ]

CONGRESS AND DIETARY GUIDELINES

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/12/18/congress-and-dietary-guidelines/ ]

CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA RESTAURANT SURVERY CONCERNING USING LESS MEAT

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/12/16/culinary-institute-of-america-restaurant-survey-concerning-using-less-meat/ ]

PLANT-BASED STEARIC ACID-CONTAINING MINTS

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/12/16/plant-based-stearic-acid-containing-mints-by-jeanne-yacoubou-ms/ ]

SOUTHWESTERN SALAD

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/12/15/southwestern-salad-by-alexa-zmich/ ]

DO VEGANS HAVE TO TAKE VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENTS?

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/12/14/do-vegans-have-to-take-vitamin-b12-supplements/ ]

TAZIKI’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFE

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/12/14/tazikis-mediterranean-cafe/ ]

FEDERAL JUDGE DISMISSES LAWSUIT ALLEGING “SOYMILK” LABELS MISLEAD CONSUMERS

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/12/10/federal-judge-dismisses-lawsuit-alleging-soymilk-labels-mislead-consumers/ ]

VEGAN SNACKS FOR ATHLETES

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/12/07/vegan-snacks-for-athletes-2/ ]

18) LATINO OUTREACH

We have given away thousands of our Spanish coloring books El Arco Iris Vegetariano.These have gone to young people when we’ve tabled at Latino Festivals, and to other groups to give out from El Paso to Washington State to Florida.

They have been shared with first graders by a school nurse working in a depressed economic community in California. And the booklets have even traveled to Ecuador.

We are out of the coloring books and need $600 to reprint. Please consider donating $10, $25, $50, or $100. Of course with a $500 donation, we can reproduce and even cover some of the postage. To donate, go to www.vrg.org/donate Write Spanish coloring books in the comments section. Or send a check to

VRG
P.O. Box 1463
Baltimore, MD 21203

Thank you so much for your support.

19) ABOUT VRG

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://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-news_lists.vrg.org ] .

We are also on Facebook and Twitter!!

• [ http://www.facebook.com/thevegetarianresourcegroup/ ]
• [ http://www.twitter.com/VegResourceGrp/ ]

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 2016 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 go to
[ http://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-maryland_lists.vrg.org ] .

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

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