VRG-NEWS: The Vegetarian Resource Group Newsletter
Volume 14, Issue 3
May 2010
CONTENTS
- VRG'S GUIDE TO FOOD INGREDIENTS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
- IS THE VITAMIN D IN COW'S MILK ANIMAL-DERIVED?
- VRG WATER BROCHURE TRANSLATED INTO SPANISH
- TRAVELING TO JAPAN AS A VEGETARIAN
- NUCOA MARGARINE STILL AN ALL-VEGETABLE PRODUCT DESPITE LABEL CHANGE
- VRG'S VEGAN DINNER IN BOSTON
- CHALET FOR RENT THAT BENEFITS VRG
- PART-TIME JOB AVAILABILITY
- VRG'S COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
- JOIN VRG WITH $25 AND GET A COPY OF MEATLESS MEALS FOR FREE!
- RECIPE - VEGAN PUMPKIN PANCAKES
- JOIN VRG'S ONLINE PARENTS LIST
- About The Vegetarian Resource Group
- About VRG-NEWS
1) VRG'S GUIDE TO FOOD INGREDIENTS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
Our Guide to Food Ingredients, which lists the uses, sources, and definitions of 200 common food ingredients, has now been published in its entirety online: [ http://www.vrg.org/ingredients/ ]
The Guide is also still available for purchase in print for just $6: [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=8 ]
Our objective in this Guide is to provide an easy-to-read, useful list of ingredients commonly found in many foods and beverages that indicates whether they are vegetarian, vegan, or non-vegetarian. Our Guide is unique in that we place emphasis on the commercial sources of ingredients most commonly used today while mentioning other possible sources of ingredients.
The Guide is one offshoot of an ongoing VRG food ingredients project. New information and changes in commercial processes and sources will constantly appear. Check [ http://www.vrg.org ] for updates.
We are happy to now provide this content on our website and hope that it continues to assist people in deciphering ingredient labels.
Your support allows us to continue this ingredient research and make updates as new information arises. Please consider making a donation here: [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ]
2) IS THE VITAMIN D IN COW'S MILK ANIMAL-DERIVED?
A reader asked if the vitamin D in cow's milk is animal derived.
VRG Researcher Jeanne Yacoubou responds:
Thanks for your recent inquiry to The VRG about possible animal-derived ingredients added to cow's milk.
According to the National Institutes of Health Fact Sheet on Vitamin D, [ http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp ], vitamin D3 derived from lanolin, (the oily wool of sheep), is the form of vitamin D that is typically added to cow's milk in the United States. It may also be added to evaporated milk and infant formulas, margarine, and yogurt. Vitamin D2 derived from yeast may be added to certain rice milks and soy milks. Either, but mostly vitamin D3, may also be added to fortified breakfast cereals and fruit juices.
3) VRG WATER BROCHURE TRANSLATED INTO SPANISH
Our brochure Save Our Water: The Vegetarian Way is now available online in Spanish: Salvemos el agua por medio del vegetarianismo!
[ http://www.vrg.org/environment/water_brochure_spanish.php ]
Thanks to VRG volunteers Cecilia and Elizabeth for translating this!
4) TRAVELING TO JAPAN AS A VEGETARIAN
What do you need to know about eating in Japan as a vegetarian? Yuko Tamura, VRG intern from Japan, shares her insights about traditional Japanese foods, the impact of Westernization on Japanese food culture, and hidden animal ingredients to be wary of (such as "dashi," a fish and seaweed stock).
[ http://www.vrg.org/teen/japan_with_family.php ]
5) NUCOA MARGARINE STILL AN ALL-VEGETABLE PRODUCT DESPITE LABEL CHANGE
by Jeanne Yacoubou VRG Research Director
A reader recently asked The VRG if Nucoa margarine was still whey- and dairy-free. She was concerned because of a recent label change that removed the words "contains no milk or whey" from the tub container.
The VRG contacted Nucoa's manufacturer and spoke with Connie, a Customer Service Representative. She assured us the change occurred only on the label. The margarine still is free of any and all milk products. The lactic acid in Nucoa is derived from corn and all flavors are non-animal as well.
The Nucoa tub margarine did undergo a reduction in total fat from 10g to 7g; the sticks did not undergo a reformulation keeping their total fat steady at 11g. Connie informed us that Nucoa is available only regionally, being most commonly available in California, Arizona, and Nevada.
6) VRG'S VEGAN DINNER IN BOSTON
WHEN: Sunday, November 7, 2010, 6 PM WHERE: MY THAI CAFE CHINATOWN, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
The Vegetarian Resource Group will hold a vegan dinner during the American Dietetic Association Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo. Dietitians, VRG members, and the public are invited. Come and meet the dietitians from the ADA Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group. Please reserve early. Hope to see you there.
MENU
Thai Coconut Soup with Tofu
Thai Mango Salad
Yellow Curry with brown rice
Wide Rice Noodles with Chinese Broccoli and Gluten
Fresh Fruit Cocktail
Jasmine tea
This vegan restaurant also sells unique vegan Bubble Tea and vegan cakes. You may want to order takeout after the meal to sample these treats.
COST: $25 before October 1, 2010. $28 after October 1. Children 12 and under are $12. Includes tax and tip. PAYMENT MUST BE MADE IN ADVANCE. Menu subject to change. Please reserve early. Refunds will be made only if we have a replacement for your seat.
Call (410) 366-8343 between 9 AM and 5 PM Eastern Time Monday to Friday; fax (410) 366-8804; click on the donation button at [ http://www.vrg.org ] and write "ADA Dinner" in the notes section; or send a check to VRG, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.
NAMES:
NUMBER ATTENDING: x $25/person before 10/1/10= $ Enclosed
NAMES ATTENDING:
ADDRESS:
STATE/ZIP:
E-MAIL:
PHONE:
DONATION:
TOTAL ENCLOSED:
7) CHALET FOR RENT THAT BENEFITS VRG
If you're looking for a summer getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or even a more permanent rental, Bruce Moose [ http://brucemoose.com/rentsale.html ] has several properties available where you can enjoy the mountains, wildlife, and also support VRG. They have just built a loft and done extensive work in one of their chalets, Bear's Den, which backs up to the Shenandoah National Park with great views, and deer and bears as neighbors.
If you are interested, please contact Bruce Moose, and don't forget to mention VRG, as a donation will be made to us!
[ http://brucemoose.com/contactus.html ]
8) PART-TIME JOB AVAILABILITY
Vegan group seeks volunteer/educational materials coordinator in Baltimore. 29 hours per week, with possibility for future full time job.
Please send resume, a writing sample, and cover letter addressing your short term and long term goals, interests, vegetarian and vegan knowledge, skills, strengths, and challenges to [email protected].
9) VRG'S COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
On April 17 VRG's College Scholarship was profiled on the front page of The Wall Street Journal:
[ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304198004575172073856320424.html ]
Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, we give away two $5,000 college scholarships to graduating high school students who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities. The students must be graduating high school in spring 2011. The deadline is February 20, 2011. For more information or to read about past winners, go to [ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ].
VRG Internships Responsibilities depend on background, major if in college, and interest of applicant. Tasks may include research, writing, and/or community outreach. Internships are helpful for students working toward journalism, English, and nutrition degrees. Business majors can obtain experience related to the business aspects of a non-profit organization. Activists can learn new skills and gain a broader knowledge, as well as share their expertise. Positions open throughout the year for all ages (including high school students living in Baltimore). Internships are unpaid. Send resume and cover letter to: The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203; [email protected].
10) JOIN VRG WITH $25 AND GET A COPY OF MEATLESS MEALS FOR FREE!
Join The VRG with $25 via our donation form [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ], and receive the Vegetarian Journal for one year and a copy of Meatless Meals for Working People: Quick and Easy Vegetarian Recipes!
Meatless Meals for Working People by Debra Wasserman shows you how to be a vegetarian within your hectic schedule. This book features 100 quick and easy vegan recipes, convenient frozen food ideas, and a chapter on fast packaged foods. A vegetarian spice chart, vegan meal plan, and seasonal party ideas for twelve assist the reader who wants to do more.
Fast meals include Rigatoni Combination and Easy Tostadas. Just a few of the lunch ideas are Mock "Tuna" Salad, Rice Burgers, and Corn Fritters. For dessert try Coconut Clusters, Rice Pudding, Fresh Fruit Salad with Peanut Creme, and Spicy Date Nut Spread.
11) RECIPE - VEGAN PUMPKIN PANCAKES
Julia Driggers, R.D., shares a recipe for vegan pumpkin pancakes: Pumpkin Panckes
(Makes 8 medium sized pancakes)
Ingredients:
1/2 Banana, Mashed
1&1/4 cups Soy Milk (or other rice/nut milk)
1 TBS Maple Syrup
1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 TSP Cinnamon
1/4 TSP Allspice
2 TSP Baking Powder
1/4 TSP Salt
4 TBS Pumpkin Butter or puree
Directions:
In large bowl combine mash banana, soy milk, and maple syrup. In separate bowl mix flour, cinnamon, allspice, baking powder, and salt. Add banana mixture to flour mixture and stir until smooth. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium high heat and grease with vegan butter or canola oil. Pour pancake batter (approx. 1/4 cup) for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.
Top this yummy holiday treat with pumpkin butter and powdered sugar to enjoy!
*Variation: Add 1/4 cup Vegan Chocolate Chips for an extra sweet treat!
Total Calories Per Serving: 86
Total Fat as % of Daily Value: 1%
Protein: 3 gm
Fat: 2 gm
Carbohydrates: 17 gm
Calcium: 130 mg
Iron: 1 mg
Sodium: 139 mg
Dietary Fiber: 3 gm
12) JOIN VRG'S ONLINE PARENTS LIST
If you're raising veggie kids right now or plan on starting a family soon, you may want to join The Vegetarian Resource Group's online parents list. See: [ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vrgparents/ ]
This group now has over 1,500 families participating. A wide range of questions are raised and parents quickly respond with supportive and practical advice from their own experience raising veggie kids. Some questions have included:
- Parent looking to relocate to a veg-friendly area to raise family.
- Someone looking for green bed for child that is moving out of their crib.
- Someone looking for help to raise hypoglycemic child veggie.
- Parent asked if it was worth it economically to join a CSA Farm.
- Parent raising kid veggie without soy asked for suggestions on what to feed him high in protein, etc.
- Someone looking for help with vegan food ideas for an 18 hour train ride.
- Searching for natural alternatives to give a child with a stuffy nose and cough.
- Kids looking for veggie pen pals.
- What's a reasonable food budget for a vegan family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids)?
- Child is starting pre-school. How do I explain that we are vegan and I don't want my child to be given non vegan food, etc.
ABOUT THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP
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.)
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 ]
Donate: [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?Action=GC&CID=1561 ]
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.
ABOUT VRG-NEWS
VRG-NEWS is the e-mail newsletter of The Vegetarian Resource Group. This is an announcement list so subscriber messages are not accepted by the list. If you have a technical question about the list, please contact us at [email protected]. If you have any suggestions, ideas, or corrections to VRG-NEWS, please direct them to [email protected]. Thanks!
If you are a new subscriber, you might enjoy reading past issues of VRG-NEWS online at [ http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/index.htm ].
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Contents of VRG-NEWS are copyright 2010 by The Vegetarian Resource Group. The newsletter may be freely distributed in electronic or print form provided its contents are not altered and credit is given to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.
