By Reed Mangels, PhD, RD

The WIC (Women, Infants, Children) Program can be a helpful source of healthy food for low-income pregnant and post-partum women, infants, and children up to age 5. It includes many options for vegans.

     Many states participate in the WIC Famers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). The program currently operates in 39 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 6 Indian Tribal Organizations; however, it is not always available in all areas of a state. This program was created to benefit both WIC participants and local farmers. Women, infants (over 4 months old), and children (1 to 5 years old) that have been certified to receive WIC benefits or who are on a waiting list for WIC are eligible to participate in this program, although some states may not provide farmers’ market vouchers for every participant category.  If your state has this program, you can receive special coupons (Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupons) in addition to your regular WIC benefits. These coupons can be used to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from farmers, farmers’ markets, or roadside stands that have been approved by the state agency to accept FMNP coupons. Some states only allow these coupons to be used to buy specific foods grown in the state to encourage recipients to support farmers in their own state. Look for a sign – Farmers’ Market Coupons Accepted – to find a farmer who participates in the program. When you’ve chosen your fruits and vegetables, give the farmer your coupon. No change is given so you may be encouraged to choose more produce if your selection is less than the amount on the coupon. Each state decides the amount of this benefit. Typically, it is between $10 and $30 per year per eligible family member although some state agencies add additional funding.

     In addition to Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupons, some states also allow you to use the vouchers for fruits and vegetables that you receive as a part of your WIC package at some farmers’ markets. These Cash Value Vouchers are issued monthly and provide eligible women with $11 per month and eligible children with $8 per month to purchase fruits and vegetables.  These vouchers are a part of the WIC package in all states although only some states allow them to be redeemed at specified farmers’ markets. 

     To see a list of states and other entities that participate in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program go to  https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts?f[0]=program%3A30  

     Contact your state WIC agency for more information about using the Cash Value Vouchers at farmers’ markets. A list of state agencies’ contact information is available at https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts?f%5B0%5D=program%3A32

In the latest issue of Vegetarian Journal, The Vegan Cooking Tips column written by Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD, features quick-and-easy chilled soup ideas. Read the column here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2020issue3/2020_issue3_cooking_tips.php

To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal in the USA, see: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php You can also subscribe to the Kindle version of Vegetarian Journal in the USA and United Kingdom. In the USA, visit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544727482&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K  In the United Kingdom, visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1544731957&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K

Recent topics brought up include:

– Question posted: What is your take on “organic” veggie/fruit produce? Do you “trust” them enough to spend extra $$ on? Do you “believe” they are better for health for your children?

– Book for kids mentioned: What do Nikola Tesla, Leonardo Da Vinci, Leo Tolstoy, Franz Kafka, Emile Zola, Mahatma Gandhi, George Bernard Shaw, Albert Einstein, and Pythagoras have in common, except that they were geniuses in their fields? https://www.momthemuse.com/nikola-tesla-and-other-geniuses…/

– Parent posted: We are launching an occasional So Many Kids in the Kitchen group and our first virtual show is next week – check it out if you are free.

– Videos on how to prepare various vegan Indian dishes posted.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/VRGparentsandkids/ is intended to be a group that offers support for families raising children on vegan diets and for vegan kids. We envision it as a place to get advice about a wide-variety of topics: pregnancy, birthday parties, school lunches, Halloween, non-leather apparel, cruelty-free products, summer camps, and more. Please use it as a place to share your wisdom, seek advice, or just find a sympathetic ear. The goal is to offer support.

Consequently, any profane, defamatory, offensive, or violent language will be removed. Feel free to disagree, but do so respectfully. Hateful or discriminatory comments regarding race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or political beliefs will not be tolerated. We expect that posts should relate to vegan diets and lifestyles. The Vegetarian Resource Group reserves the right to monitor all content and ban any user who posts in violation of the above rules, any law or regulation, SPAM, or anything otherwise off topic.

Please share this information with any veggie families that you know! Thanks.

As the weather starts to cool down in parts of the USA and Europe, you may want to go hiking. Below is a list of online stores offering vegan hiking boots and shoes.

Alice + Whittles in the USA offers a hiking shoe for women. See: https://aliceandwhittles.com/

Treksta USA offers hiking shoes and boots for men and women. See: https://www.trekstausa.com/vegan_styles

Merrell in the USA offers some vegan hiking shoes. Search under “vegan hiking shoe.” See: https://www.merrell.com

Ethical Wares out of Wales in the United Kingdom offers a wide variety of hiking boots See: https://www.ethicalwares.com/footwear/walking-boots-and-shoes/

Will’s Vegan Store in London, England offers hiking boots for men and women. See: https://wills-vegan-store.com/

Avesu Vegan Shoes out of Germany sells Lowa hiking boots and shoes. See: https://www.avesuveganshoes.com/brands/lowa-com.html

Each issue of Vegetarian Journal contains book reviews and the latest issue takes a look at Happy Animals: Friends Not Food by Liora Raphael and Glenn Saks; The Colorful Family Table by Ilene Godofsky Moreno; and Vegetable Kingdom by Bryant Terry. Read the reviews here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2020issue3/2020_issue3_book_reviews.php

To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal in the USA, see: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

You can also subscribe to the Kindle version of Vegetarian Journal in the USA and United Kingdom. In the USA, visit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544727482&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K  In the United Kingdom, visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1544731957&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K

Today there are several different brands of nutritional yeast on the market; however, they each contain various amounts of vitamin B12. In the latest issue of Vegetarian Journal, Reed Mangels, PhD, RD presents a chart that compares the various nutrients in different brands of nutritional yeast. See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2020issue3/2020_issue3_nutrition_yeast.php

To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal in the USA, see: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php You can also subscribe to the Kindle version of Vegetarian Journal in the USA and United Kingdom. In the USA, visit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544727482&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K  In the United Kingdom, visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1544731957&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K

Vegetarian Journal has ran two articles on vegan grilling that you might find helpful:

Gourmet Grilling by Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD includes grilling tips as well as recipes for Grilled Eggplant, Mediterranean Grilled Portobellos with Pine Nuts, Curried Barbecue Tempeh, Roasted Pepper and Eggplant Dip, Pineapple Peach Salsa, Japanese-Style Grilled Asparagus, Grilled Sweet Peaches, and Roasted Corn. See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/2002issue3/2002_issue3_gourmet.php

Nancy also wrote another article titled Outdoor Feast and it includes vegan recipes for the grill including Tofu and Potatoes Kebobs, Vietnamese “Beef” Salad, Lime and Chili “Steaks,” and Grilled Pineapple. See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2015issue2/2015_issue2_outdoor_feasts.php

To subscribe to vegetarian Journal in the USA, visit: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

Are you craving a creative non-alcoholic beverage? The latest issue of Vegetarian Journal features an article titled “Non-Alcholic Thirst Quenchers,” by Mikiel Peratino. Mikiel is a former assistant manager and bartender at Great Sage vegan restaurant in Maryland. Enjoy recipes for Strawberry Fauxjito; Virgin Piña Colada; Warm Golden Pumpkin; Black Rose Mule; Watermelon Cooler; S’mores Mudslide; Virgin Cucumber Basil Gimlet; and Butterfly Margarita. These drinks look absolutely gorgeous and will bring a smile to your face!

Read the entire article here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2020issue3/2020_issue3_thirst_quenchers.php

To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal in the USA, see: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

You can also subscribe to the Kindle version of Vegetarian Journal in the USA and United Kingdom. In the USA, visit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544727482&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K  In the United Kingdom, visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1544731957&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K

The Vegetarian Resource Group is a vegan activist non-profit organization that does outreach all-year-long. For example, VRG sends literature free of charge to other groups/individuals doing educational activities in schools, hospitals, camps, restaurants, libraries, offices, etc. Our ability to continue doing this depends on people like you! Your donations allow us to promote the vegan message whenever we’re called upon for assistance. Please consider becoming a monthly or quarterly donor to The Vegetarian Resource Group.

Thanks so much for your support. You can donate online here: vrg.org/donate

The Vegetarian Resource Group maintains an online Guide to Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in the USA and Canada. Here are some recent vegan restaurant additions. The entire guide can be found here: http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

To support the updating of this online restaurant guide, please donate at: www.vrg.org/donate

Here are some new additions to VRG’s guide (Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many are doing take-out and/or delivery now):

Belenty’s Love, 3516 Bluebonnet Cir., Fort Worth, TX 76109 and 2200 E. US Hwy. 377, Granbury, TX 76049

Belenty’s Love serves a large assortment of vegan Mexican food including breakfast all day, salads, tacos, and smoothies. For breakfast order the tofu and potatoes breakfast burrito or the blueberry French toast made out of thick Texas toast. For lunch or dinner, try the cauliflower wings served with celery and covered in delicious barbeque sauce. For your main dish, order the enchilada plate topped with cheese and tasty sauce. This plate also comes with lentil soup, black beans, and a small side salad. The enchiladas are mouthwatering and filling. Another great option is the “ceviche”: 2 tostados topped with mushrooms, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and cheese. Be sure to order one of their delicious smoothies. For dessert, try the sopapilla with fruit, the Mexican version of a donut or beignet. This delicious fried dessert will be the perfect end to your meal. 

Boca Loca, 906 Sewall Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Boca Loca specializes in vegan Latin fusion food. They serve features delicious and organic vegan twists. Order the Supremo: a soft tortilla stuffed with tofu, black beans, cashew queso, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion, and crunchy tostada. You will savor this delicious burrito-type creation. Another great option is the La luna: an arepa sandwich stuffed with guacamole, beans, cabbage slaw, cashew chipotle aioli, plantains, and salsa. On the side order the plantains. For dessert, try the Peruvian donuts. A delicious version of a donut made with sweet potato and calabaza squash, served with brown sugar syrup.

BunkHouse Coffee Bar, 3181 NE West End Blvd., Jensen Beach, FL 34957

BunkHouse Coffee Bar is more than a café, it’s an entirely plant-based shop serving coffee, smoothies, acai bowls, and various gluten-free baked goods. Handcrafted coffees are made with an array of plant-based milk options, and special flavors that rotate with the seasons. Outdoor seating allows you to enjoy the weather, while indoor seating offers private chairs and workstations.

Desmond’s Island Soul Grill, 977 Reon Dr., Ste. 102, Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Looking for some fresh, vegan Caribbean style food? Check out Desmond’s Island Soul Grill is offering everything from small bites, to entrées, to sides. Try the Lentil Burger, Rasta Pasta, the Eggplant or Pumpkin Curry, or the Fried Krabcakes. The prices are reasonable and the portions are huge!

Gigi’s Vegan + Wellness Café, 1103 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO 64111

Gigi’s aims to provide all the pillars of sustainability by being conscientious of the environment, community, and animals! From cold press juices, organic smoothies, to lunch bowls Gigi’s aims to provide zero-waste biodegradable packaging and provides incentives to customers who return glass packaging! They also provide meal-prep services where they make three balanced meals ready to be served after warmed! For beverage options, try out morning glory cold press or the green goddess smoothie! Some other meal options include the rainbow salad, cosmic pizza, or the holy macro bowl.

La Bartola, 588 College St., Toronto, ON M6G 1B3 Canada

La Bartola’s menu is delicious and diverse. To start, order the herbed guacamole served with poblano pepper tostadas. This guacamole is creamy and tasty. For your entrée, enjoy the jackfruit and mushrooms al pastor served with fresh pineapple, cilantro, onion, and salsa roja. Another great option is the broccoli tamale with tomato sauce and pitiona. Both the taco and tamale are delicious combinations of spices and flavors. For dessert, try the decadent chocolate cake with pink peppercorn and cinnamon and a café con leche.

Vegan AF, 291 Central Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07307

Recognizable by signature paintings both within and outside the restaurant walls, Vegan AF welcomes residents of The Heights in Jersey City, NJ. With a variety of vegan dishes available, Vegan AF’s menu also features a “Mexican Corner” with quesadillas, burritos, tacos, and more. They also serve personalized salads, burgers, hot dogs, and breakfast foods like pancakes.