By Emilio Gironda

On Tuesday, January 21, 2020 it was my pleasure to join The Vegetarian Resource Group volunteer extraordinaire Marcy Schveibinz and University of Maryland Intern for a Day Teni Faleti for a Healthy Vegan Cooking Class held at Christopher Place in the City of Baltimore. Christopher Place, through the auspices of Catholic Charities, is a residential employment program that provides education, training, and recovery support to formerly homeless men of the Baltimore area.

The class consisted of eight well-dressed men who watched and learned from Marcy as she explained the fundamentals of vegan living, and demonstrated how to cook up some vegan chili. While hesitant at first, they quickly warmed up to Marcy’s pleasant demeanor and helpful, non-judgmental presentation. With Marcy mincing up some onions and garlic, intern Teni took control of the wok and started sautéing, quickly filling the air with the aroma.

As Marcy continued her food prep, she answered questions about living vegan, about food choices, about vitamins, and about protein. With everything sautéing in the wok, a few more minutes and the chili was ready to go. Everyone quickly lined up and filled their bowls with the meal, most adding some vegan sour cream on top. The room got quiet as everyone tried what was certainly their first foray into vegan chili. While some of them only ate a small amount, several went back for seconds. I, of course, had a bowl myself and it was great!

Once they finished eating, the students filed out of the classroom and on to the next class. It was interesting to me that I could actually see the demeanor of the students change as class progressed moving from polite nonchalance to, at least for a few of them, genuine interest. Kudos to Marcy, Teni, and everyone at Christopher Place for introducing the benefits of healthy living through a vegan diet. I wonder what Marcy plans to cook up for next class? 

If you are interested in interning for The Vegetarian Resource Group click here: https://www.vrg.org/student/

If you are interested in having your own Vegan Cooking Demonstration or Class see here for more information: https://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/08/06/starting-a-healthy-vegan-cooking-class-for-those-who-were-previously-homeless/