By Heather Francis, VRG Intern

For one of my first projects at The Vegetarian Resource Group, I made and donated vegan casseroles to Our Daily Bread in Baltimore, Maryland. Another intern, Casey Brown made three casseroles, while I made two (Brunswick Stew, and Cream Bean and Potato Casserole with Carrots). It only took me a few hours to make them, and I was even able to save a little of each to try for myself. They were delicious and super EASY to make. The ingredients were cheap; the bulk of the ingredients for the casseroles were in cans- potatoes, beans, and carrots. When it came to bringing the casseroles to Our Daily Bread, we had to make sure they were frozen and tightly sealed with foil.

Brigette, VRG’s volunteer coordinator brought us to the facility to drop off the casseroles. We were able to talk to the Volunteer Coordinator there and see inside the kitchen and facility. It was awesome because as soon as we walked in we were immediately thanked at the front desk for donating casseroles, and then even more since we brought vegan options. We went to go see the kitchen, and the first table we saw in their kitchen was a table with a ton of veggie plates. On the veggie plate was Peanut Butter and Jelly, Macaroni and Cheese, Fruit Salad, half a banana, a small salad, and a donut. We learned through talking with the Volunteer Coordinator, that out of 600 people served a day, there seemed to be about a ⅓ asking for the vegetarian option instead of an option containing meat. This shows how important it is to provide a veggie option because the option doesn’t just not contain meat but also includes more vegetables making it a healthier option.

So if you’re ever looking for something to do or you want to help with an important task, whip up some vegan casseroles and donate them to Our Daily Bread, if in Baltimore, or your local feeding facility wherever you live. It’s a great cause and I’m super confident in knowing these casseroles are going towards people who need it. There definitely needs to be more healthier options to those who are homeless and hungry. This is a great way to give back, while also offering a more sustainable way of eating.

Below is a link attached to a blog post earlier this year about Our Daily Bread, and also directing you to their website with any questions you may have about the program and if you wanted to get involved yourself.

http://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/03/10/vegan-casseroles-for-our-daily-bread/