By Emily Carter, Vegetarian Resource Group Intern

Our Daily Bread, a meal program hosted by Catholic Charities, serves more than a quarter of a million meals to people experiencing hunger across Baltimore, Maryland. They serve hot lunch 365 days a year to anywhere between 500 and 1000+ people. Additionally, they offer breakfast to seniors and people with disabilities and dinner to men enrolled in the Christopher Place Employment Academy. The organization relies on volunteers to make and serve food every day, with a greater need for volunteers to serve breakfast from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and dinner for Christopher Place from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

There is opportunity for people who want to get involved in a more indirect and possibly less time-consuming way by cooking and donating meals. Our Daily Bread has a casserole program that is the backbone of the entire initiative. Anyone can make and donate a casserole! Casserole recipes can be found on the Our Daily Bread’s website: https://www.catholiccharities-md.org/services/our-daily-bread-hot-meal-program/#790c890569b87ce66

On the list of recipes one can make, 3 are vegan, and were created by the VRG’s food service advisor Chef Nancy Berkoff, RD! They are all fairly quick to make, depending on how many casseroles you wish to donate. 

Last weekend, VRG intern Amy Dell and myself made two sweet potato and black bean casseroles using a recipe on the Our Daily Bread website. It was very simple and only took us about an hour and a half to chop all the peppers, onions, and garlic and get the sweet potatoes fork-tender. (The time would have been shorter had we had a bigger pot to combine both batches). The meal smelled delicious, and inspired me to make something similar for myself! 

Homelessness and hunger linger everywhere as a silent enemy. Philanthropy may not be the best way towards food equality, but it is one of the tools we have as individuals to help create a world that aligns a little more with our philosophies. So if you are feeling inspired or have no evening/weekend plans, get some ingredients and casserole dishes and cook up a storm! Even if you are not in Baltimore you can still participate by donating to your local feeding site.

For another example of vegan cooking for the needy, see: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2015issue4/2015_issue4_vegetarian_action.php

For information on interning at The Vegetarian Resource Group, go to: https://www.vrg.org/student/index.php

To support The Vegetarian Resource Group outreach, donate at www.vrg.org/donate

If you are in the USA or Canada, the next time you throw a party, attend an office event, or simply crave something sweet, consider buying vegan baked goods from one of the companies listed here: https://www.vrg.org/links/BakeriesAndBakedGoodsVegan.htm

Create and submit a video relating what you want to tell others about vegetarianism/veganism.

Some possible topics: food, nutrition, your feelings about veganism/vegetarianism, water usage and vegetarianism, veganism and animal rights, or other vegan topics which appeal to you. Humor and feelings are appreciated. All videos should be positive, not be critical of anyone, and not include any footage of animal cruelty. You may submit a video you have already made.

Aspects of judging include accuracy and judges wanting to share the video with others. Entrants give permission to The Vegetarian Resource Group to post and share the video, to link to and from the video, and share the video with the media. Deadline to enter this year is July 15, 2018.

Details on the contest can be found here: https://www.vrg.org/videoscholarship.php

Are you looking to impress family and friends with a creative vegan deli salad? Rachel Haley Himmelheber offers a wide range of salads in a previous Vegetarian Journal article including Mexican Cole Slaw, Potato Salad with Thai Peanut Dressing, Asian Slaw, German Potato Salad, Middle Eastern Macaroni Salad, and Pecan and Red Pepper Pesto Macaroni Salad. Read the article here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2000jul/2000_jul_delisalads.php

Subscribe to Vegetarian Journal in the USA only by visiting 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

D’Vegan

9780 Walnut St., Ste. 360E

Dallas, TX 75243

www.facebook.com/DVegan-216259655084588

Enjoy a wide variety of dishes including Zucchini Pho, Golden Noodle Soup, Soy Banh Mi, Lemon Grass Noodle with Beef Seitan, and more.

Merit Vegetarian

548 Lawrence Expy. #2

Sunnyvale, CA 94085

www.MeritVegetarian.com

Try Vietnamese sweet and sour soup, pho, Vietnamese crepe, lemongrass tofu, and more. They also offer other Asian cuisines.

Noble Vegetarian Restaurant

5049 College Oak Dr., Ste. A

Sacramento, CA 95841

www.nobleveg.com

Dine on Saigon Rolls, Pho Noodle Soup, Tropical Papaya Salad, a variety clay pot dishes, and more. Also serve other Asian dishes.

Paradise Vegetarian Noodle House

8681 10th Ave.

Burnaby, BC V3N 2S9 Canada

www.ParadiseVegetarian.com

The menu consists of many traditional Vietnamese dishes including Vegan Veggie Beef Rice noodle soup (Pho) and Hot and Sour Soup (Canh Chua). Also enjoy fresh spring rolls, Vermicelli with BBQ Vegan Chicken, Spicy Lemongrass Gluten, and more.

Phoenix Garden Vegetarian Restaurant

7103 Brook Rd.

Richmond, VA 23227

The Pho reigns supreme! Other good selections include Pan-Fried Rice Stick Noodles, Eggplant and Marinated Tofu, and Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich). Desserts include chocolate-drizzled fried bananas and Phoenix’s very own funnel cake! Daily lunch specials are offered.

The Sun Vegan

11743 Edinger Ave.

Fountain Valley, CA 92708

www.facebook.com/thesunvegan

Enjoy Vermicelli and Crispy Rolls, Royal Noodle Soup, Fresh Tomato Noodle Soup, and more.

Vegan Bowl

8672 S. Redwood Rd.

West Jordan, UT 84088

www.facebook.com/VietnameseVeganBowl

This restaurant offers spring rolls, banh mi sandwiches, and a variety of noodle and rice dishes. Some dishes feature mock meats like soy-based chickun, ham, shrimp, and beef. An extensive list of teas, shakes, smoothies, and various boba flavors is also available.

Vinh Loi Tofu

18625 Sherman Way, #101

Reseda, CA 91335

www.vinhloitofu.com

Vinh Loi Tofu is a café as well as a tofu factory. The fresh soymilk, tofu, and tofu custard made daily are reason enough to come here and yet there are delicious dishes to try as well. From curry to Vietnamese soup, each dish is made with care. Although it’s mostly take-out, there are a few tables if you want to eat in. Only cash is accepted, however, there is an ATM on site.

Vinh Loi Tofu

11818 South St. #101

Cerritos, CA 90703

vinhloitofucerritos.business.site

Enjoy pho, curry soup, spring rolls, udon noodles stir-fried with bbq “duck,” cold noodle salad, and more.

Please book mark and use this link. Eligible shopping will support our vegan education and activism. http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1279034

About Amazon Smile: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/chpf/about/ref=smi_se_rspo_laas_aas

Reed Mangels, PhD, RD and Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD wrote an article in a previous issue of Vegetarian Journal that shows individuals how to lose weight on a vegan diet. This piece was written to provide suggestions for vegans, or people who are interested in following a vegan diet, who want to lose weight. The weight loss plan is designed for non-pregnant adults. If you have a medical condition such as kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, please consult your health care professional to make sure these ideas will work for you.

This article features two eating plans. The first has approximately 1,500 calories and is designed for most women who want to lose 1-2 pounds per week. The second has about 1,900 calories and is designed for most men who want to lose 1-2 pounds per week. One to two pounds per week is a safe rate of weight loss that is more likely to be maintained.

You will also find several recipes in the article found here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2006issue1/2006_issue1_weight.php

Subscribe to Vegetarian Journal in the USA only by visiting 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

We previously ran an article in Vegetarian Journal showing that vegan meal plans can be both low-cost and nutritious. Often people claim it’s too expensive to be vegan. This is not true. Like any diet, it depends upon the types of food you choose to eat.

The meal plans found in this piece were devised for three specific populations: young adults, older adults, and a family of four. If you do not fit into one of these categories, you may still use the ideas in the article to develop a meal plan that is just right for you. Each plan features an array of meal ideas that are quick and easy to prepare, that contain the nutrients your body needs, and that won’t put a huge dent in your wallet.

To read the entire article, visit: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2006issue2/2006_issue2_mealplans.php

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

The Vegetarian Resource Group is a vegan activist non-profit organization that does outreach all-year-long. For example, VRG tables at different events throughout the USA and also 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 become a monthly or quarterly donor online here: vrg.org/donate

The Vegetarian Resource Group maintains an online Guide to Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in the USA and Canada. Below are some recent 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:

Alice

40 Adeline St.

Ottawa, ON K1S 3L3 Canada

From the mind of Chef Briana Kim, Alice is an upscale vegan restaurant with beautifully plated dishes which you’ll find nowhere else. Call well in advance for reservations. This would be great for a date night, or for special occasions which call for something more high-end.

Foodhisattva

2158 South Taylor Rd.

Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

Here we have a vegan pop-up that’s decided to settle down. Located in Cleveland Heights, Foodhisattva serves American food with a Asian twist, like their Bangkok Tacos, Bulgogi Cheesesteak, and Chick’n Katsu Sando. You can follow them on Facebook or Instagram as well to get updates about their specials.

Fork My Life

6558 Gateway Ave.

Sarasota, FL 34231

Fork My Life is both a vegan cafe and a vegan bakery, which is great for those of us looking for something both savory and sweet. The menu includes hot sandwiches like the grilled cheeze or chick’n parm sandwich, small plates like mac and cheeze and loaded nachos, and a variety of cupcakes and cookies too numerous to list. They also have custom smoothies, and even vegan milkshakes! They even sell artisan vegan meats and cheeses.

Plant Matter Café

717 Richmond St.

London, ON Canada N6A 3H1

A restaurant’s name doesn’t always clearly communicate what you’ll find there, but it does at Plant Matter Café. Entrees include classic cafe fare like Cubano sandwiches, cobb salads, and avocado toasts. The drinks are what make this cafe stand out, however. It’s not just coffee that’s available, but also juice shots, smoothies, and a full bar.

The Boombox Bakeshop

520 Adelaide St.

London, ON N6B 3J4 Canada

The Boombox Bakeshop is a vegan bakery offering daily cupcakes and special order cupcakes and cakes. Flavor options abound, from your basic chocolate and vanilla, to lemon lavender, maple pecan, and more! Plenty of gluten free options are available as well.

Urban Beets Kitchen and Juice Bar

5616 Olde Wadsworth Blvd.

Arvada, CO 80002

The menu rotates daily at Urban Beets, an eclectic vegan restaurant and juice bar. There are a few regular items (there’s often an avocado toast du jour), but what’s available depends more on what’s in stock. Prior entrees have included kung pao, tempeh riblets, roasted cauliflower and mushroom fajitas, wet-style breakfast burritos, and on and on. They also have beer and cocktails, including vegan Bloody Marys. Check them out if you’re looking for something a bit different.