The VRG's Maryland Newsletter by Laura McGuiness, MLIS
October, 2020

  1. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS - VEGETABLE STAMPS, TIPS FOR EATING VEGAN IN COLLEGE, WATER USAGE LESSON PLANS FOR CHILDREN
  2. 2020 VRG VIDEO CONTEST WINNER: NO TO CLIMATE CHANGE
  3. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS
  4. BLACK VEGAN EATERIES EXPAND IN BALTIMORE
  5. FRIENDS AND FAMILY OPENS IN FELLS POINT
  6. DODAH'S KITCHEN NOW OPEN IN BALTIMORE
  7. A VIRTUAL THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION
  8. VEGAN MENU FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES
  9. VEGETARIAN JOURNAL PREVIEWS
  10. VRG HIGHLIGHTS
  11. WISH LIST
  12. BEQUESTS
  13. FOLLOW VRG'S SOCIAL MEDIA!
  14. MARYLAND AREA EVENTS
  15. ABOUT VRG

1) VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS - VEGETABLE STAMPS, TIPS FOR EATING VEGAN IN COLLEGE, WATER USAGE LESSON PLANS FOR CHILDREN

  • VEGETABLE STAMPS
  • TIPS FOR EATING VEGAN IN COLLEGE
  • WATER USAGE LESSON PLANS FOR CHILDREN
  • 50 IDEAS FOR VEGAN LUNCHBOXES
  • VEGAN HAIR CARE
  • VEGAN YARNS
  • AND MORE...
THE SAVORY SIDE OF CHOCOLATE
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/10/01/the-savory-side-of-chocolate/ ]
2020 VRG VIDEO CONTEST WINNER: THE BENEFITS OF A VEGGIE LIFESTYLE
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/30/2020-vrg-video-contest-winner-the-benefits-of-a-veggie-lifestyle/ ]
ENJOY THESE VEGAN PEAR-BASED RECIPES!
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/29/enjoy-these-vegan-pear-based-recipes/ ]
SHARE BURRITO ON MY PLATE GRAPHIC WITH THOSE WHO MIGHT BE INFLUENCED TO BECOME VEGAN FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REASONS
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/28/share-burrito-on-my-plate-graphic-with-those-who-might-be-influenced-to-become-vegan-for-environmental-reasons-2/ ]
DAILY VEG (DELAWARE) RESTAURANT REVIEW
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/28/daily-veg-delaware-restaurant-review/ ]
ENJOY ROOT VEGETABLES!
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/25/enjoy-root-vegetables/ ]
TIPS FOR EATING VEGAN IN COLLEGE
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/24/tips-for-eating-vegan-in-college/ ]
CRISPY CHINESE NOODLES - WHAT'S IN THOSE WONTON STRIPS ANYWAY?
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/23/crispy-chinese-noodles-whats-in-those-wonton-strips-anyway/ ]
MY VEGAN DIET AS A DANCER
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/23/my-vegan-diet-as-a-dancer/ ]
2020 VRG VIDEO CONTEST WINNER: NO TO CLIMATE CHANGE
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/22/2020-vrg-video-contest-winner-no-to-climate-change/ ]
WHAT ARE MILK PLANT CODES ON MILK CARTONS?
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/21/what-are-milk-plant-codes-on-milk-cartons/ ]
WHAT'S FOR LUNCH? 50 IDEAS FOR VEGAN LUNCHBOXES
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/21/whats-for-lunch-50-ideas-for-vegan-lunchboxes/ ]
JACQUELINE TANG'S VRG INTERN EXPERIENCE
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/18/jacqueline-tangs-vrg-intern-experience/ ]
FIVE SNACK IDEAS FOR VEGAN DANCERS
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/17/five-snack-ideas-for-vegan-dancers/ ]
WATER USAGE LESSON PLANS FOR CHILDREN
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/17/water-usage-lesson-plans-for-children/ ]
VEGAN HAIR CARE
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/16/vegan-hair-care/ ]
HAVE YOU LEARNED HOW TO KNIT DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? LEARN ABOUT VEGAN YARNS
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/16/have-you-learned-how-to-knit-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-learn-about-vegan-yarns/ ]
VEGETABLE STAMPS
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/15/vegetable-stamps/ ]
LEMON SPINACH RICE
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/14/lemon-spinach-rice/ ]
INTERACTIVE NUTRITION FACTS LABEL
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/14/interactive-nutrition-facts-label/ ]
HOW DO THE NEWER MEAT-LIKE, PLANT-BASED BURGERS COMPARE NUTRITIONALLY?
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/11/how-do-the-newer-meat-like-plant-based-burgers-compare-nutritionally/ ]
VEGAN ACTION: MATT RUSCIGNO, MPH, RDN LEADS BY EXAMPLE
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/10/vegan-action-matt-ruscigno-mph-rdn-leads-by-example/ ]
WIC FARMERS MARKET PROGRAM
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/10/wic-farmers-market-program/ ]
QUICK AND EASY IDEAS FOR CHILLED SOUP
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/09/quick-and-easy-ideas-for-chilled-soup/ ]
HIT THE TRAILS WITH NON-LEATHER VEGAN HIKING BOOTS AND SHOES SOLD IN THE USA AND EUROPE
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/08/hit-the-trails-with-non-leather-vegan-hiking-boots-and-shoes-sold-in-the-usa-and-europe/ ]
WHICH NUTRITIONAL YEAST PRODUCTS DELIVER THE VITAMIN B12 YOU NEED?
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/07/which-nutritional-yeast-products-deliver-the-vitamin-b12-you-need/ ]
ENJOY VEGAN MOCKTAILS!
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/09/04/enjoy-vegan-mocktails/ ]

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2) 2020 VRG VIDEO CONTEST WINNER: NO TO CLIMATE CHANGE

By Alejandro Torres

Alejandro is a Vegetarian Resource Group 2020 video scholarship winner. He said: 'I am interested in vegetarianism for the multitude of benefits to myself, my loved ones, the environment, and the animals.' To see his video, go to: [ https://www.vrg.org/veg_videos.php ]

Deadline for the next VRG video contest is July 15, 2021.

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3) A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS

Thanks to the following volunteers for all your hard work with The Vegetarian Resource Group, including posting to social media, writing blog posts, research, presentations, restaurant research, clerical work, writing HTML, contributing to our vegan parents group, doing media interviews, editing, photography, performing nutrition analysis, helping with our newsletters, and more! To volunteer at VRG, please contact us at vrg.org To support The Vegetarian Resource Group's outreach, donate at [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ]

  • Tirtho Banerjee
  • Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD
  • Whitney Blomquist
  • Casey Brown, RD
  • Simon Brown
  • Katelynn Budzich
  • Cathy Conway, MS, RD
  • Keryl Cryer
  • Carole Hamlin
  • Clarissa Hauber
  • Suzanne Hengen
  • Audrey Hunt
  • Reed Mangels, PhD, RD
  • Laura McGuiness, MLIS
  • David Milner
  • Adhi Muthukumar
  • Katie Nunemaker
  • Lucia Rivera
  • Odette Olivares Sanchez
  • Marcia Schveibinz
  • Kavitha Shankar
  • Eric Sharer, MPH, RD, CDN
  • Tamir Stahler
  • Julia Stanitski

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4) BLACK VEGAN EATERIES EXPAND IN BALTIMORE

The Baltimore Sun discusses and reviews the plethora of new black owned vegan eateries in Baltimore. See the article here: [ https://www.baltimoresun.com/food-drink/bs-fe-food-vegan-black-restaurants-20200907-iuk4ggdtwnhbhophzbplv7j7nq-story.html ]

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5) FRIENDS AND FAMILY OPENS IN FELLS POINT

By Emilio Gironda

Throughout the past decade, locals have become familiar with Sticky Rice in Fells Point as a spot for vegan and vegetarian sushi, noodle bowls, and some of the best tots in town. After Sticky Rice hit the 10-year mark, the owners decided to close, renovate, and reopen as Friends and Family - an all day breakfast spot with vegan and vegetarian options. While the restaurant offers extensive vegan and vegetarian-friendly options, the restaurant did confirm that they have one chicken dish on the menu (chicken dumplings). Please keep this in mind when ordering.

Working within public health guidelines, owners Ronnie Pasztor and Ginny Lawhorn have begun a phased opening beginning with carry-out. The menu offers plant-based sandwiches, salads, scrambles, and other comfort foods, as well as a full lineup of to-go cocktails (Ginny Lawhorn is an award-winning bartender). For those so inclined, the entire cocktail menu can also be created in 'mocktail' form. They also serve local Vent Coffee and varieties of Wild Kombucha.

Co-owner Lawhorn adds: "Everyone always wants to be invited to the friends and family opening of a restaurant. But what if every service was treated like your friends and family day? What if your staff had that enthusiasm every day and guests had the same sense of community and engagement every time they visited?" This accommodating and inclusive attitude is the driving force behind the re-brand.

Friends and Family is located at 1634 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD and is open Monday - Friday 8:15 AM - 4:00 PM. Their phone number is (443) 682-8243. More information is available here: [ https://www.friendsandfamilybaltimore.com/ ] and here: [ https://www.instagram.com/friendsandfamilybaltimore/?hl=en ]

For information about other vegan-friendly restaurants see the VRG Restaurant Guide: [ https://www.vrg.org/restaurant/ ]

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6) DODAH'S KITCHEN NOW OPEN IN BALTIMORE

By Emilio Gironda

When three friends joined up in 2017 to launch a vegan soul food and baked goods company, they thought it would make a decent side business, but they certainly didn't expect it to take off like it has. Co-founders Janice Cheaver, Edwin Lottie, and Gary Feld started Dodah's using recipes Cheaver's created over the 30 years she lived in Israel as part of an African Hebrew Israel Community. Cheaver became vegan at 15 when her family became African Hebrew Israelites and moved to Israel. While in Israel, she created and cooked vegan recipes for the community based on the southern soul food she was already familiar with, and these same recipes are now used at Dodah's. For inquiring minds, Cheaver's nickname is Dodah, which means aunt in Hebrew.

In the past you have only been able to purchase Dodah's food - mac n' cheese, lasagna, cakes, cupcakes and cheesecakes' in the over 100 natural markets, small retailers, juice bars and co-ops in MD, DC, VA, DE, PA, NJ, and NY that they serve. Now, you can enjoy their delicious Vegan Soul Food and desserts in a new, lively, and casual setting at 1210 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD.

They are open Monday - Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, and on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. You can also order delivery via DoorDash. For more info you can contact them via email at [email protected] or by phone 202-88-DODAH (202-883-6324).

They are on Facebook at [ https://www.facebook.com/dodahskitchen ] and Instagram at [ https://www.instagram.com/dodahskitchen/ ] .

Their menu is here: [ https://dodahskitchen.com/dodahs-cafe ]

They plan to open another café at 3801 34th St., Mount Rainier, MD in the near future.

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7) A VIRTUAL THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION

Due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, The Veg Society of DC has decided not to hold their customary indoor Thanksgiving-Day event this year. However, because the dinner has been such a well-loved tradition for 45 years, they have decided to still hold an event on Thanksgiving Day 2020, just via an online platform. Mark your calendar for Thursday, November 26, 2020, and stay tuned for further details at [ https://www.vsdc.org/ ]

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8) VEGAN MENU FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES

Vegan diets can be highly beneficial for those with diabetes if the meals are low in saturated fat and high in fiber and photochemicals. Vegan Menus for People with Diabetes by Nancy Berkoff presents a four-week meal plan complete with food exchange lists and day-by-day menus. Recipes include tempting offerings such as Cinnamon-Apple-Raisin Pancakes, Lentil Chili, Asian Noodle Bowls, Stuffed Peppers, and Tangy Tofu Salad, as well as fast, easy meals like Baked Bean Quesadillas and Quick Cajun Rice and Beans. There's also a glossary of terms and a guide to vegan substitutions for items such as vegan meats.

Get on track to balanced health with Vegan Menus for People with Diabetes by Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD, $10.00 available here: [ https://www.vrg.org/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products _id=7 ]

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9) VEGETARIAN JOURNAL PREVIEWS

Baltimore's Chef Kathleen Byrd has stirred up some fun with her collection of winter dips and sauces, sure to delight everyone at your holiday table. Savory offerings include Lentil Walnut Pate, Roasted Garlic Dip, Golden Sage Gravy, Cranberry Onion Jam, Buffalo Chickpea Dip, and Roasted Carrot Sriracha Hummus, plus more. Want something sweeter? Try Chef Byrd's Mexican Chocolate Sauce or Salted Coconut Caramel Sauce drizzled on fruit, pretzels, or even sugar cookies. Subscribe to the Vegetarian Journal to support delicious recipe development like this. Each quarterly issue is packed with the latest scientific updates, vegan recipes to please a variety of eaters as well as other great articles and outreach news. The Vegetarian Journal is available in print and on Kindle!

[ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544727482&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K ]

Order the print version here: [ https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php ]

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10) VRG HIGHLIGHTS

We had six winners in our 2020 video contest. See the videos here:
[ https://www.vrg.org/veg_videos.php ]

A company that produces nutritional yeast extract read our article on nutritional yeast, and said they will check with their production to see if they can add vitamin B-12. For more information on nutritional yeast see:
[ https://www.vrg.org/nutrition/b12.php ]
[ https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2020issue3/2020_issue3_nutrition_yeast.php ]
[ https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2017issue3/2017_issue3_nutritional_yeast.php ]
[ https://www.vrg.org/nutrition/vitamin-b12-and-nutritional-yeast.pdf ]

The VRG submitted thoughts on vegan publishing for a chapter of a book concerning vegan literature being published by Edinburgh University Press.

We gave permission to reprint our My Vegan Plate in the second edition of the book Too Busy to Diet. Find the book here:
[ https://www.amazon.com/Too-Busy-Diet-Monica-Joyce/dp/1480017019 ]

Support vegan research and education by donating to The Vegetarian Resource Group Go here: [ https://www.givedirect.org/donate/?cid=1565 ]

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11) WISH LIST

As a non-profit, we can only take on new projects when we are able to get support from donors and our dedicated volunteers. Right now, we are seeking your support for the following:

  • Ever consider donating stock to the VRG? Donating stock directly to the VRG may save on taxes. Remember the purpose of this article is to encourage you to consider creative ways to donate to The Vegetarian Resource Group or other nonprofits for outreach
    More information is available here: [ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/26/donating-stock-to-the-vegetarian-resource-group/ ]

  • Have a car that you want to donate? CARS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based out of San Diego, California that processes vehicle donations for nonprofits across the United States and Canada. More information is available here: [ https://careasy.org/get-started?org=Vegetarian+Resource+Group ]

  • Have you wanted to make a gift in honor of a loved one, friend or colleague, but weren't sure which charities were vegan, pro-environment or pro-animal rights? Consider a donation to the VRG as a memorial for a loved one, or way to honor someone's actions with a living tribute. This is perfect for special occasions, such as a wedding, birthday, anniversary or retirement. We will send an acknowledgment to you and the giftee, and your kindness will support our educational outreach programs and help promote veganism. [ https://www.vrg.org/memandhon.htm ]

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12) BEQUESTS

The VRG depends on the generous contributions of our members and supporters to continue our educational projects. Though the world may not become vegan in our lifetime, we realize we are planning and working for future generations. Your will and life insurance policies enable you to protect your family, and also to provide a way to give long-lasting support to causes in which you believe. Naming The Vegetarian Resource Group in your will or life insurance policy will enable us to increase our work towards a vegan world.

One suggested form of bequest is: I give and bequeath to The Vegetarian Resource Group, Baltimore, Maryland, the sum of _________ dollars (or if stock, property, or insurance policy, please describe).

To be sure your wishes are carried out, be sure to speak with your attorney specifically about writing the correct information into your will.

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13) FOLLOW VRG'S SOCIAL MEDIA!

You can keep up with us on ~

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14) MARYLAND AREA EVENTS

Check websites to see if events are happening. Still many pandemic restrictions that can change weekly.

JEWISH VEG DC CHAPTER
For updates:
[ https://www.facebook.com/groups/JewishVegDC?mc_cid=390a70b9cc&mc_eid=9346dc739f ]
BALTIMORE VEGAN BOOK CLUB
For updates:
[ https://www.facebook.com/pg/Baltimore-Vegan-Book-Club-1686226734809409/events/?ref=page_internal ]
BALTIMORE VEGAN DRINKS
For Vegan Drinks events see
[ https://www.facebook.com/pg/BaltimoreVeganDrinks/events/?ref=page_internal ]
DINEKIND
Dinekind Harford meets monthly to share information on the benefits of a plant-based diet. For more information, visit:
[ http://www.dinekindharford.com/ ]
VEGEVENTS
Maryland and DC veg events can be found at [ https://www.vegevents.com ]
WHOLE FOOD FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH - BALTIMORE SUPPORT GROUP
[ https://www.meetup.com/whole-food-for-optimal-health-potluck/ ]
EARTHSAVE NEWS & EVENTS
For more information:
[ https://earthsavebaltimore.org ]
FORKS OVER KNIVES MONTHLY POTLUCKS
This group is for those interested in trying a whole food plant-based diet or for those who already eat this way. This is a diet with none to very little oil, salt, or refined sugar. Sample delicious and healthy dishes, share recipes, learn, and connect with like-minded individuals.

For more information about the next event, visit: [ http://www.meetup.com/columbia-md-forks-over-knives-meetup/ ]

MONTHLY COOKING CLASSES
Check website for monthly class updates:
[ http://www.veggourmet.wordpress.com ]
SOUTH CARROLL SUPPER CLUB
South Carroll Seventh-day Adventist Church
Taylorsville, MD
Email Deborah Jamieson for event information: [email protected]
FARMED ANIMAL CONFERENCE E-SUMMIT
The Future of the Farmed Animal Movement
(August 3rd - August 9th, 2020)

The critical issues affecting farmed animals are only increasing during this global pandemic. Animal Place, one of the oldest and largest animal sanctuaries in the nation, is sponsoring this e-summit to educate animal activists, vegans, environmentalists, and plant-based eaters on what we can do to be more effective advocates for change. More info here: [ https://facesummit.org/ ]

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15) ABOUT VRG

Our health professionals, activists, and educators work with businesses and individuals to bring about healthful changes in your school, workplace, and community. Registered dietitians and physicians aid in the development of nutrition-related publications and answer member and media questions about vegetarian diets. The Vegetarian Resource Group is a non-profit organization. Financial support comes primarily from memberships, donations, bequests, and book sales. The Vegetarian Journal, a print magazine, is a benefit of membership in The VRG. (For more information, please see the Vegetarian Journal online at:

[ https://www.vrg.org/journal/ ]

To sign up for the The Vegetarian Resource Group national email newsletter, please visit:

[ http://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-news_lists.vrg.org ]

We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!!

Facebook[ http://www.facebook.com/thevegetarianresourcegroup/ ]
[ https://www.facebook.com/groups/VRGparentsandkids/ ]
Instagram[ https://www.instagram.com/vegetarianresourcegroup/ ]
Twitter[ http://www.twitter.com/VegResourceGrp/ ]

If you would like to make a donation, become a member, volunteer, or find out more about The VRG, contact us at:

The Vegetarian Resource Group
P.O. Box 1463
Baltimore, MD 21203
Phone: (410) 366-8343
FAX: (410) 366-8804 E-mail: [email protected]
Website: [ http://www.vrg.org/ ]
To donate: [ https://www.givedirect.org/donate/?cid=1565 ]

Copyright The Vegetarian Resource Group 2020 The contents of this newsletter, and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your own best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own.

If you were forwarded this message and would like to sign up for our monthly local email newsletter, please go to

[ http://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-maryland_lists.vrg.org ]
If you do not wish to receive the Local Email Newsletter, visit
[ http://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-maryland_lists.vrg.org ]
See Unsubscribe or edit options at the BOTTOM OF THE PAGE. You do not need a password. You only need to type in your email address where it says unsubscribe. Then click on Unsubscribe. At next screen, confirm by clicking Unsubscribe once again. By clicking on the Unsubscribe button, a confirmation message will be emailed to you. This message will have a link that you should click on to complete the removal process.
OR YOU CAN JUST EMAIL [email protected] and let us know that you want to unsubscribe from the Maryland email newsletter.

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