citrus photo from Freepik

Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD, shares some ideas on how to easily add citrus to your menu. For example, you can add citrus into your cooking liquid when preparing dishes or instead of salt squeeze some citrus on top of your dish. Also use citrus for a marinade or as a base for salad dressing. To learn more about incorporating citrus into your meals see: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2006issue1/2006_issue1_tips.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only by visiting https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

When American Thanksgiving became an official national holiday in 1863, vegetarians were already upset with the meat-based menu. The holiday’s newly elevated status only increased the objections, but the vegetarians didn’t just complain they got to work changing the meal. By the late 19th century, vegetarians were well on the way to inventing their own distinctive Thanksgiving menu centered around a plant-based roast.

Join Seth Tibbott, who invented Tofurky a century later in 1995, and vegan news columnist, Avery Yale Kamila, as they explore the history of vegetarian Thanksgiving and the evolution of plant-based, celebratory roasts. They will also share vegetarian turkey recipes from the late 19th century and early 20th century.

RSVP for this event here: https://givebutter.com/Talking-Veggie-Turkey

photo by Rissa Miller

Here are you a wide variety of vegan brownie recipes from Vegan Journal that are perfect to serve at Thanksgiving. Enjoy Pumpkin Spice Brownies with Crumb Topping, Brownie-Beet Pecan Pie, Minty-Zucchini Brownies, Cheesecake Brownies, Orange-Chocolate Chip Blondies, Raspberry Brownies, and more! Thanks to Rissa Miller and James Craig Thieman for creating these delicious dessert options.

Find the recipes here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue3/2022_issue3_vegan_brownies.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only by visiting https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

Take a look at many different vegan Thanksgiving dishes you can prepare at home: https://www.vrg.org/recipes/vegan_thanksgiving.php

by Aashay Mody, VRG Intern

In our world, where the effects of environmental destruction and animal welfare issues are increasingly in the spotlight, many people are reconsidering their eating habits. More awareness can influence people’s behavior, but this varies greatly on a personal level. To explore how such information affects dietary choices, I interviewed several members of The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) about their own experiences.

Cheyenne Klapper was a VRG Scholarship winner and she emphasized the major role that documentaries have in providing information to shift people’s perspectives. She said that a screening of Cowspiracy, which is a documentary about the environmental impact of eating animals, at her local library showed her how effective this form of media is in encouraging individuals to adopt a more plant-based diet. “When people understand that animal agriculture is destroying the environment, they are more likely to make a small step towards eating more plant-based foods,” she explained. As such, after the screening, attendees expressed a desire to change their eating habits. Cheyenne also pointed out a significant barrier to adopting a plant-based lifestyle, which is misinformation. She believes that many people lack proper education about plant-based diets, which can hold many people back from exploring these as an option to implement in their own lives.

Neha Vivek, a current VRG Intern, shared a more personal story, explaining how her awareness influenced her own decision to pursue a plant-based diet, as she “didn’t want to contribute to the environmental damage and animal cruelty” in feedlots. For Neha, the ethical considerations behind food choices were her primary inspiration to change, which is one example of how awareness can lead to meaningful change on an individual level. However, Neha noted that many of her peers adopt vegetarian or vegan diets primarily for religious reasons. This indicates that while environmental and animal rights issues motivate some people, cultural and religious factors also play a substantial role in shaping people’s dietary choices.

Former VRG Intern Akua Oppong’s experiences further illustrate how sharing knowledge can lead to a broader impact within social circles. She mentioned that her sister’s awareness of the environmental effects of animal consumption prompted her to reduce her intake of red meat. Akua noted a common sentiment among her friends, who have expressed a willingness to eat less red meat due to environmental information and incorporate more plant-based options into their diets, as well as her parents, who more frequently choose plant-based milk over dairy. This ripple effect demonstrates how the conversations that Akua has about environmental and animal rights can influence others. At the same time, Akua mentioned that many individuals feel that they lack exposure to relevant facts, including her sister, who shared that “if she was exposed to more environmental or animal rights information, she would be more willing to eat more vegetarian or vegan.”

Meanwhile, VRG Scholarship winner Mara McQuirter offered a slightly different perspective, suggesting that while environmental and animal rights issues do play a role in influencing dietary choices, health concerns often take precedence as the driving force. Her best friend became vegetarian after learning about meat’s environmental impact and her other friends are open to trying vegan and vegetarian foods, but she has found that people in her life make the switch to either diet for health more than the other reasons. Mara also pointed out that she tries “to introduce vegan foods to people as a way to ‘share,’” highlighting the challenges she faces in overcoming the stigma surrounding veganism. This approach suggests that introducing plant-based foods in a social context can be an effective way to encourage greater openness toward vegetarian and vegan diets. By talking about and experiencing plant-based eating in a positive setting, individuals might be more inclined to explore the ethical and environmental aspects of the food they choose to consume.

The insights gathered from VRG members reveal that there may be some relationship between environmental and animal rights information and personal choice that determines eating habits. Documentaries, personal experiences, and social interactions are all things that can contribute to a growing consciousness of the impact of our diets. Perhaps by having more dialogue around plant-based eating, we can increase this awareness, leading to eventual change.

Aashay is a 2024 VRG intern. For information about internships, see https://www.vrg.org/student/index.php

For information about VRG college scholarships for graduating high school seniors, see https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm

To support VRG outreach, donate at www.vrg.org/donate

Several passengers on Southwest told us that they received Stellar Mini Pretzel Braids, instead of the previous peanuts, or snack mix containing dairy items. The Stellar Mini Pretzel Braids packaged handed out was labeled vegan, and said Vegan Butter Braid with Maui Onion Style

Seasoning and Monk Fruit. For more information on this brand, see www.stellarsnacks.com

Cranberries are often served on Thanksgiving in the USA. Debra Daniel-Zeller shares the following cranberry-based recipes in a previous Vegetarian Journal article she wrote:

Orange-Cranberry “Butter”

Warming Cranberry-Apple Cider

Heavenly Squash, Cranberries, and Rice

Double Cranberry Soda Bread

Cranberry-Apple Cobbler

Cranberry Fruit Salad

Whole Cranberry-Pineapple Sauce

Creamy Cranberry-Apple Whip

Find the recipes here: Crazy About Cranberries

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only by visiting https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

photo from Green The American Vegetarian, Tempe, AZ

Below is a list of some of the restaurants, caterers, and groups offering vegan meals/potlucks for Thanksgiving (both before and on that day) alphabetically by state. If you’re looking for some new recipes to prepare for Thanksgiving, visit: http://www.vrg.org/recipes/vegan_thanksgiving.php

We wish you a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!

ARIZONA

Vegan Thanksliving Community Potluck, Mesa, AZ https://www.facebook.com/events/mesa-az/11th-annual-vegan-thanksliving-community-potluck/511652318094016/

 thanksLIVING Celebration Dinner at Loving Hut, Phoenix AZ https://www.meetup.com/vegphx/events/303410883/?eventOrigin=group_events_list

Green The American Vegetarian, Tempe, AZ https://thanksliving.square.site/ (take-out)

CALIFORNIA

Crossroads Kitchen, Calabasas, CA https://www.crossroadscalabasas.com/_files/ugd/b5bb87_3eb85d523f0b4bdb979fc3c249cb0fae.pdf

Crossroads Kitchen, Los Angeles, CA https://www.crossroadskitchen.com/_files/ugd/b5bb87_e79b5255208f435caf7fbc84eb0514c2.pdf

Vegan Picnic Potluck on Thanksgiving, Los Angeles, CA https://www.facebook.com/events/1082766000017487/?ref=newsfeed

The Gentle Barn Pre-Thanksgiving Meal, Santa Clarita, CA https://www.gentlebarn.org/thanksgiving

Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck, Santa Rosa, CA https://www.meetup.com/northbay-vegan/events/304026090/

DELAWARE

The Environmental Justice Task Force and the Vegan Subcommittee Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner, Wilmington, DE https://firstuuwilm.org/2024/10/17/vegan-thanksgiving-potluck-dinner-2/

 FLORIDA

Café You, Cape Coral, FL https://cafeyou2.wordpress.com/vegan-thanksgiving-chef-tasting-dinner-saturday-november-23rd-7pm/

Vegan Thanksgiving Brunch at Buddha Thai Bistro, Jacksonville Beach, FL https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=849122384025096&set=pb.100067820269449.-2207520000

Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck, West Melbourne, FL https://allevents.in/west%20melbourne/vegan-thanksgiving-potluck-feast/200027351976645?ref=eventlist-cat#

Hippocrates Wellness, West Palm Beach, FL https://hippocrateswellness.org/the-resort/events/vegan-thanksgiving-at-hippocrates/

ILLINOIS

The Chicago Diner, Chicago, IL (take-out) https://chicago-diner-webstore.myshopify.com/

MARYLAND

Land of Kush, Baltimore, MD https://www.facebook.com/TheLandofKush/

One World Café, Baltimore, MD https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063530110691

Thanksgiving at Popular Spring Animal Sanctuary, Poolesville, MD https://www.animalsanctuary.org/events/annual-events/

MASSACHUSETTS

Vegan Thanksliving Potluck, Bay Path Barn – Boylston, MA https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vegfest-vegan-thanksliving-potluck-2024-tickets-1030504505717

Red Lentil, Watertown, MA https://theredlentil.com/watertown-red-lentil-events

MINNESOTA

Compassionate Action for Animals ThanksLiving Vegan Potluck, Matthews Park, Minneapolis, MN https://www.exploreveg.org/events/thanksliving-vegan-potluck-2024/

MISSOURI

St. Louis Animal Rights Team Annual Turkey Free Thanksliving, St. Louis, MO https://start4animals.networkforgood.com/events/76487-turkey-free-thanksliving-2024

NEVADA

Crossroads, Las Vegas, NV https://www.crossroadslasvegas.com/_files/ugd/b5bb87_852e118c6c7447ef96a9983c190313d9.pdf

NEW JERSEY

Kaya’s Kitchen, Belmar, NJ https://kayaskitchenbelmar.com/

Good Karma Café, Red Bank, NJ https://www.goodkarmacafenj.com/category/all-products

NEW YORK

Modern Love, Brooklyn, NY https://www.modernlovebrooklyn.com/

Grandma’s Kitchen, Arnot Mall, Horseheads, NY https://bit.ly/3IVLyF6

Red Bamboo, New York, NY https://www.redbamboo-nyc.com/

Hudson Valley Vegans, Rhinebeck, NY https://www.meetup.com/hudson-valley-vegans/events/303754121/

Farm Sanctuary, Watkin’s Glen, NY https://www.farmsanctuary.org/events/

NORTH CAROLINA

Triangle Vegetarian Society Thanksgiving Dinner in Durham, NC https://www.trianglevegsociety.org/thanksgiving/

OHIO

Traditional Yoga Society, Dayton, OH https://www.tysdayton.com/events-1/navaratri-class-s3rk7-dghts-htll7-djaea-b5f9h-frylr-ld7xw-d7atm

Sunrise Sanctuary Thanksgiving for the Turkeys, Marysville, OH https://www.sunrisesanctuary.org/

OREGON

Compassionate Thanksgiving – Northwest VEG, Beaverton, OR https://nwveg.org/upcoming-events/2024-11-24-compassionate-thanksgiving-2024

Eugene Veg Education Network, Eugene, OR https://www.eugeneveg.org/news.htm

PENNSYLVANIA

Animal Advocates of Central PA, Emigsville, PA https://www.facebook.com/events/806197088386770

Pittsburgh VegFest, Thxgiving Feast, Lawrenceville, PA https://pittsburghvegfest.org/

TEXAS

Vegan Society of Peace Vegan ThanksLiving, Houston, TX https://www.facebook.com/VeganSocietyofPEACEThanksLiving/

Austin Farm Sanctuary, Paige, TX https://connectforanimals.com/event/1727929128470×443854519705534460

VIRGINIA

Botanical Plant-Based Fare, Charlottesville, VA https://www.instagram.com/botanical.fare/p/DBd6T-qumk-/?img_index=1

WASHINGTON

Plum Bistro, Seattle, WA https://plumbistro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Bistro_Thanksgiving-2024_Menu_Web-001.pdf

Pasado’s Safe Haven, Sultan, WA https://www.pasadosafehaven.org/events/thanksgiving-for-the-turkeys/

WASHINGTON, DC

Sticky Fingers, Washington, DC https://stickyfingersbakery.com

Veg Society of DC, various restaurant dinners in greater Washington, DC area and a potluck www.vsdc.org

https://www.meetup.com/vegan-dc-md-va/events/302764111/

photo from Freepik

By Reed Mangels, PhD, RD

As of June 1, 2024, according to the CDC, nearly 1.2 million people have died of COVID-19 in the United States. Worldwide, the World Health Organization reports that 7.1 million people have died of Covid-19. The CDC reports that, In the United States, 5.3% of adults are currently experiencing post-COVID conditions (long COVID). These adults had COVID, had long-term symptoms, and are still experiencing symptoms.

In December 2022, I responded to a question about Covid-19, namely, “Does being vegan affect my risk of getting Covid-19 or severe Covid-19?” At that time, no studies had been published investigating the association between a vegan diet and Covid-19 risk. Studies that looked at healthy diets or eating more plant foods found that:

• Higher healthful plant-based diet scores (more fruits and vegetables) were associated with lower risk of Covid-19 and severe Covid-19. (1).
• Health care workers had a lower risk of having moderate-to-severe Covid-19 if their diets were more “plant-based” (more vegetables, legumes and nuts; less poultry and red/processed meat) (2).
• Higher “healthy eating” scores (more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts and less red/processed meat) were associated with a lower risk of Covid-19 and of severe infection (3).
• Eating more vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and fish in the year prior to a Covid-19 diagnosis was associated with significantly less severe Covid-19 and a shorter duration of hospitalization (4).

Since then, a couple of studies have been published that include vegetarian subjects. There still have not been published studies looking exclusively at vegans. Here’s what the newer studies found:

• In Taiwan, in a study of 509 people who had been diagnosed with Covid-19, study subjects age 65 years and older who reported that they followed a vegetarian diet, were likely to have less severe symptoms than similarly aged subjects who were not vegetarian (5).
• In Brazil, study subjects were divided into 2 groups – omnivores (424 people) and plant-based (278 people). The plant-based group included people consuming meat 3 or fewer times per week, lacto-ovo vegetarians, and vegans. The plant-based group were less likely to get Covid-19; the nonvegetarian group had a higher rate of moderate-severe Covid-19 compared to the plant-based group (6). This study’s researchers reported that the results seen in the plant-based group were mainly due to the vegetarian + vegan subgroup. The group differences persisted even after adjustments were made for BMI, suggesting that other factors in the plant-based diet were responsible for the lower risk of Covid-19 and moderate-severe Covid-19.

The results of these studies suggest that in addition to other health benefits, vegetarian/vegan/plant-based diets could reduce risk and severity of Covid-19. This information could be useful in case of new outbreaks of Covid-19 in the future.

References

1. Merino J, Joshi AD, Nguyen LH, et al. Diet quality and risk and severity of COVID-19: a prospective cohort study. Gut. 2021;70:2096-2104.
2. Kim H, Rebholz CM, Hegde S, et al. Plant-based diets, pescatarian diets and COVID-19 severity: a population-based case-control study in six countries. BMJ Nutr Prev Health. 2021;4:257-266.
3. Yue Y, Ma W, Accorsi EK, et al. Long-term diet and risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022;116:1672-1681.
4. Zargarzadeh N, Tadbir Vajargah K, Ebrahimzadeh A, et al. Higher adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern is inversely associated with severity of COVID-19 and related symptoms: A cross-sectional study. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022;9:911273.
5. Hou YC, Su WL, Chao YC. COVID-19 illness severity in the elderly in relation to vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets: A single-center experience. Front Nutr. 2022;9:837458.
6. Acosta-Navarro JC, Dias LF, de Gouveia LAG, et al. Vegetarian and plant-based diets associated with lower incidence of COVID-19. BMJ Nutr Prev Health. 2024;7:4-13.

You can read the earlier article I wrote about diet and Covid-19 here.

photo from Green The American Vegetarian, Tempe, AZ

Below is a list of some of the restaurants, caterers, and groups offering vegan meals/potlucks for Thanksgiving (both before and on that day) alphabetically by state. If you’re looking for some new recipes to prepare for Thanksgiving, visit: http://www.vrg.org/recipes/vegan_thanksgiving.php

We wish you a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!

ARIZONA

Vegan Thanksliving Community Potluck, Mesa, AZ https://www.facebook.com/events/mesa-az/11th-annual-vegan-thanksliving-community-potluck/511652318094016/

thanksLIVING Celebration Dinner at Loving Hut, Phoenix AZ https://www.meetup.com/vegphx/events/303410883/?eventOrigin=group_events_list

Green The American Vegetarian, Tempe, AZ https://thanksliving.square.site/ (take-out)

CALIFORNIA

Crossroads Kitchen, Calabasas, CA https://www.crossroadscalabasas.com/_files/ugd/b5bb87_3eb85d523f0b4bdb979fc3c249cb0fae.pdf

Crossroads Kitchen, Los Angeles, CA https://www.crossroadskitchen.com/_files/ugd/b5bb87_e79b5255208f435caf7fbc84eb0514c2.pdf

Vegan Picnic Potluck on Thanksgiving, Los Angeles, CA https://www.facebook.com/events/1082766000017487/?ref=newsfeed

The Gentle Barn Pre-Thanksgiving Meal, Santa Clarita, CA https://www.gentlebarn.org/thanksgiving

Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck, Santa Rosa, CA https://www.meetup.com/northbay-vegan/events/304026090/

DELAWARE

The Environmental Justice Task Force and the Vegan Subcommittee Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner, Wilmington, DE https://firstuuwilm.org/2024/10/17/vegan-thanksgiving-potluck-dinner-2/

FLORIDA

Café You, Cape Coral, FL https://cafeyou2.wordpress.com/vegan-thanksgiving-chef-tasting-dinner-saturday-november-23rd-7pm/

Vegan Thanksgiving Brunch at Buddha Thai Bistro, Jacksonville Beach, FL https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=849122384025096&set=pb.100067820269449.-2207520000

Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck, West Melbourne, FL https://allevents.in/west%20melbourne/vegan-thanksgiving-potluck-feast/200027351976645?ref=eventlist-cat#

Hippocrates Wellness, West Palm Beach, FL https://hippocrateswellness.org/the-resort/events/vegan-thanksgiving-at-hippocrates/

ILLINOIS

The Chicago Diner, Chicago, IL (take-out) https://chicago-diner-webstore.myshopify.com/

MARYLAND

Land of Kush, Baltimore, MD https://www.facebook.com/TheLandofKush/

One World Café, Baltimore, MD https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063530110691

Thanksgiving at Popular Spring Animal Sanctuary, Poolesville, MD https://www.animalsanctuary.org/events/annual-events/

MASSACHUSETTS

Vegan Thanksliving Potluck, Bay Path Barn – Boylston, MA https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vegfest-vegan-thanksliving-potluck-2024-tickets-1030504505717

Red Lentil, Watertown, MA https://theredlentil.com/watertown-red-lentil-events

MINNESOTA

Compassionate Action for Animals ThanksLiving Vegan Potluck, Matthews Park, Minneapolis, MN https://www.exploreveg.org/events/thanksliving-vegan-potluck-2024/

MISSOURI

Project Animal Freedom, Columbia, MO https://www.facebook.com/events/526968672273589/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_this_week_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

St. Louis Animal Rights Team Annual Turkey Free Thanksliving, St. Louis, MO https://start4animals.networkforgood.com/events/76487-turkey-free-thanksliving-2024

NEVADA

Crossroads, Las Vegas, NV https://www.crossroadslasvegas.com/_files/ugd/b5bb87_852e118c6c7447ef96a9983c190313d9.pdf

NEW JERSEY

Kaya’s Kitchen, Belmar, NJ https://kayaskitchenbelmar.com/

Good Karma Café, Red Bank, NJ https://www.goodkarmacafenj.com/category/all-products

NEW YORK

Modern Love, Brooklyn, NY https://www.modernlovebrooklyn.com/

 Grandma’s Kitchen, Arnot Mall, Horseheads, NY https://bit.ly/3IVLyF6

Red Bamboo, New York, NY https://www.redbamboo-nyc.com/

 Hudson Valley Vegans, Rhinebeck, NY https://www.meetup.com/hudson-valley-vegans/events/303754121/

Farm Sanctuary, Watkin’s Glen, NY https://www.farmsanctuary.org/events/

NORTH CAROLINA

Triangle Vegetarian Society Thanksgiving Dinner in Durham, NC https://www.trianglevegsociety.org/thanksgiving/

OHIO

Traditional Yoga Society, Dayton, OH https://www.tysdayton.com/events-1/navaratri-class-s3rk7-dghts-htll7-djaea-b5f9h-frylr-ld7xw-d7atm

Sunrise Sanctuary Thanksgiving for the Turkeys, Marysville, OH https://www.sunrisesanctuary.org/

OREGON

Compassionate Thanksgiving – Northwest VEG, Beaverton, OR https://nwveg.org/upcoming-events/2024-11-24-compassionate-thanksgiving-2024

Eugene Veg Education Network, Eugene, OR https://www.eugeneveg.org/news.htm

PENNSYLVANIA

Animal Advocates of Central PA, Emigsville, PA https://www.facebook.com/events/806197088386770

Pittsburgh VegFest, Thxgiving Feast, Lawrenceville, PA https://pittsburghvegfest.org/

TEXAS

Vegan Society of Peace Vegan ThanksLiving, Houston, TX https://www.facebook.com/VeganSocietyofPEACEThanksLiving/

Austin Farm Sanctuary, Paige, TX https://connectforanimals.com/event/1727929128470×443854519705534460

VIRGINIA

Botanical Plant-Based Fare, Charlottesville, VA https://www.instagram.com/botanical.fare/p/DBd6T-qumk-/?img_index=1

WASHINGTON

Plum Bistro, Seattle, WA https://plumbistro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Bistro_Thanksgiving-2024_Menu_Web-001.pdf

Pasado’s Safe Haven, Sultan, WA https://www.pasadosafehaven.org/events/thanksgiving-for-the-turkeys/

WASHINGTON, DC

Sticky Fingers, Washington, DC https://stickyfingersbakery.com

Veg Society of DC, various restaurant dinners in greater Washington, DC area and a potluck www.vsdc.org; https://www.meetup.com/vegan-dc-md-va/events/302764111/