1) VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS

• SHARE VEGAN IN VOLUME WITH LOCAL RESTAURANTS, CAMPUS DINING SERVICES, SENIOR HOUSING SETTINGS, HOSPITALS, ETC.
• UPDATE ON VITAMIN B12
• ARE YOU LOOKING FOR VEGAN INFORMATION IN SPANISH?
• VEGAN RECIPES FEATURING CITRUS FRUIT
• IS DAIRY-FREE BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?
• SHEETZ OFFERS BEYOND BURGERS
• FEDERAL COURT BLOCKED THE STATE OF ARKANSAS LAW MAKING IT ILLEGAL TO LABEL ITEM VEGGIE BURGERS
• TACO DEL MAR VEGAN OPTIONS
• NUTRITION HOTLINE FROM VEGETARIAN JOURNAL: CAN ANYTHING BE DONE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A BABY DEVELOPING PEANUT ALLERGIES?
• VEGAN YARNS FOR KNITTING AND CROCHETING
• BAREBURGER VEGAN OPTIONS
• VEGAN DINING IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
• DOG HAUS VEGAN OPTIONS
• and so much more!

SHARE VEGAN IN VOLUME WITH LOCAL RESTAURANTS, CAMPUS DINING SERVICES, SENIOR HOUSING SETTINGS, HOSPITALS, ETC.

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/01/09/share-vegan-in-volume-with-local-restaurants-campus-dining-services-senior-housing-settings-hospitals-etc-6/ ]

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SOME CREATIVE PASTA SAUCES?

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/01/09/are-you-looking-for-some-creative-pasta-sauces/ ]

YOU CAN ORDER VEGAN BALLET OR DANCE SHOES ONLINE

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/01/08/you-can-order-vegan-ballet-or-dance-shoes-online/ ]

UPDATE ON VITAMIN B12

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/01/08/update-on-vitamin-b12/ ]

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR VEGAN INFORMATION IN SPANISH?

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/01/07/are-you-looking-for-vegan-information-in-spanish/ ]

VEGAN RECIPES FEATURING CITRUS FRUIT

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/01/07/vegan-recipes-featuring-citrus-fruit/ ]

SUPPORT THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP THROUGH AMAZON SMILE

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/01/06/support-the-vegetarian-resource-group-through-amazon-smile-15/ ]

EASY MEALS FOR HUNGRY CAMPERS

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/01/06/easy-meals-for-hungry-campers/ ]

VRG OFFERS ONE $10,000 SCHOLARSHIP PLUS TWO $5,000 SCHOLARSHIPS TO GRADUATING USA HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS! DEADLINE TO ENTER IS FEBRUARY 20, 2020!

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/01/03/vrg-offers-one-10000-scholarship-plus-two-5000-scholarships-to-graduating-usa-high-school-seniors-deadline-to-enter-is-february-20-2020-4/ ]

TRY THESE DELICIOUS VEGAN SOUP RECIPES!

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/01/03/try-these-delicious-vegan-soup-recipes/ ]

JOIN THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP'S PARENTS AND KIDS FACEBOOK GROUP!

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/01/02/join-the-vegetarian-resource-groups-parents-and-kids-facebook-group-21/ ]

WEIGHT CONTROL THE VEGAN WAY

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/01/02/weight-control-the-vegan-way-2/ ]

2019 VEGETARIAN SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/01/01/2019-vegetarian-scholarship-winner/ ]

QUICK AND EASY IDEAS ON PREPARING DISHES FEATURING MUSHROOMS

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/01/01/quick-and-easy-ideas-on-preparing-dishes-featuring-mushrooms/ ]

VEGAN ACTION: AVERY YALE KAMILA A COLUMNIST FOR THE PORTLAND PRESS HERALD

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/31/vegan-action-avery-yale-kamila-a-columnist-for-the-portland-press-herald/ ]

IS DAIRY-FREE BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/30/is-dairy-free-better-for-the-environment/ ]

ENJOY MAKING SOME WARM WINTER SALADS

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/27/enjoy-making-some-warm-winter-salads/ ]

VEGAN RESTAURANTS ADDED TO THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP'S GUIDE TO VEGGIE RESTAURANTS IN THE USA AND CANADA

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/26/vegan-restaurants-added-to-the-vegetarian-resource-groups-guide-to-veggie-restaurants-in-the-usa-and-canada-28/ ]

BOOK REVIEWS IN VEGETARIAN JOURNAL

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/26/book-reviews-in-vegetarian-journal-2/ ]

SHEETZ OFFERS BEYOND BURGERS

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/25/sheetz-offers-beyond-burgers/ ]

FEDERAL COURT BLOCKED THE STATE OF ARKANSAS LAW MAKING IT ILLEGAL TO LABEL ITEM VEGGIE BURGERS

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/25/federal-court-blocked-the-state-of-arkansas-law-making-it-illegal-to-label-item-veggie-burgers/ ]

VEGETARIAN JOURNAL INCLUDES REVIEWS OF VEGAN PRODUCTS

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/24/vegetarian-journal-includes-reviews-of-vegan-products/ ]

SCIENTIFIC UPDATES IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF VEGETARIAN JOURNAL

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/23/scientific-updates-in-the-latest-issue-of-vegetarian-journal-4/ ]

VITAMIN B12 AS METHYLCOBALAMIN OR CYANOCOBALAMIN

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/20/vitamin-b12-as-methylcobalamin-or-cyanocobalamin/ ]

WHIP UP A BATCH OF VEGAN COOKIES TODAY!

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/19/whip-up-a-batch-of-vegan-cookies-today/ ]

EASY VEGAN GUIDE AND COLORING BOOK FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF VEGANS

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/18/easy-vegan-guide-and-coloring-book-for-friends-and-family-of-vegans/ ]

TACO DEL MAR

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/17/taco-del-mar/ ]

TEMPEH COMPANY IN BRAZIL

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/16/tempeh-company-in-brazil/ ]

NUTRITION HOTLINE FROM VEGETARIAN JOURNAL: CAN ANYTHING BE DONE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A BABY DEVELOPING PEANUT ALLERGIES?

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/16/nutrition-hotline-from-vegetarian-journal-can-anything-be-done-to-reduce-the-risk-of-a-baby-developing-peanut-allergies/ ]

WINTER DELIGHT VEGAN DISHES

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/13/winter-delight-vegan-dishes/ ]

VEGAN YARNS FOR KNITTING AND CROCHETING

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/12/vegan-yarns-for-knitting-and-crocheting/ ]

BAREBURGER

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/12/bareburger/ ]

VEGAN DINING IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/11/vegan-dining-in-nashville-tennessee/ ]

DOG HAUS

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/11/dog-haus/ ]

SUPPORT THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP BY PURCHASING BOOKS FROM OUR BOOK CATALOG!

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/10/support-the-vegetarian-resource-group-by-purchasing-books-from-our-book-catalog-7/ ]

SIDE DISHES TO SERVE A CROWD

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/12/10/side-dishes-to-serve-a-crowd/ ]

2) VEGETARIAN JOURNAL ISSUE 1, 2020

Vegetarian Journal is kicking off 2020 with a new issue featuring Mexican soup and stew recipes from Chef Carlos Erez. Warm up your chilly evenings with his hearty offerings - from traditional tortilla soup to modern fare like stuffed poblanos in spicy tomato broth! To support tasty efforts like this collection by Chef Erez, subscribe to the Vegetarian Journal. 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!

Print subscriptions: To order by phone, call 410-366-8343 or online, [ https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php ]
Kindle USA: [ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544727482&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K ]

3) VRG BOOTHS AND EVENTS

Come visit us at these VRG booths!

Fairfax Veg Fest

Sunday April 19, 2020
10:am to 5:00 pm
Herdon, VA

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo

October 18 - 20, 2020
Indianapolis, IN

If you're interested in helping us at one of our booths, contact
[email protected]

If you would like to donate towards our veggie outreach, donate at:
[ http://www.vrg.org/donate ]

Donations can also be sent to:
The Vegetarian Resource Group
P.O. Box 1463
Baltimore, MD 21203
Or call: (410) 366-8343

4) OTHER UPCOMING VEGETARIAN/VEGAN EVENTS

Below are upcoming events occurring nationally and internationally. The VRG will not be at these events but we want to share them with you in case you live in or will be traveling to the area they are taking place and wish to attend:

Sedona VegFest

January 18-19th, 2020
Sedona Performing Arts Center

2020 Shamayim V'Aretz Retreat

February 7-9th, 2020
Brandeis-Bardin Institute

Vegetarian Food Asia 2020

Feb 21-23rd, 2020
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Vegan Inca Trail

April 19-25th, 2020
Northwest of Cusco to the ancient city of Machu Picchu

Whole Health Forum

"Forum Four"
May 17th-21st, 2020
Zichron Yaakov, Israel

Plant-based Prevention of Disease Annual National Conference

May 30th-June 1st, 2020
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan

Lancaster VegFest

Saturday, June 6th, 2020
Buchanan Park
Lancaster, PA

5) $20,000 IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS, FEBRUARY 20, 2020 DEADLINE

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, VRG awards $20,000 in college scholarship money each year to graduating high school students who have promoted vegetarianism/veganism in their schools and/or communities. Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or fowl. Vegans are vegetarians who do not use other animal products such as dairy or eggs.

One award of $10,000 and two awards of $5,000 will be given. Entries may only be sent by students in the USA graduating from high school in Spring 2020. The deadline is February 20, 2020.

For information about VRG's College Scholarship, see: [ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ] To support The Vegetarian Resource Group scholarships and internships, donate at [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ] or mail to The Vegetarian Resource Group, Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203

6) VRG INTERNSHIP WRITE-UP

By Lucia Rivera, VRG Intern

Ever since I first became a vegetarian at the age of seven, I have aimed to balance that component of my lifestyle with everything else that was part of my day-to-day life. I wanted to make a difference beyond avoiding meat products in my diet, and luckily, I found an amazing opportunity to do so. By becoming a long-distance intern with The Vegetarian Resource Group, I opened up a new pathway of veggie activism for myself.

Since the VRG is centered in Baltimore, Maryland and I live in Southern California, my work with The VRG mainly consists of writing articles for the VRG Blog. Throughout the last four months I have completed many exciting assignments that are refreshing in comparison to my busy life as a high school junior. I am used to writing articles for my school's student-run newspaper, but this internship gave me an opportunity to try out different styles of writing. For example, I enjoyed working an in-depth restaurant review of one of my favorite vegan restaurants, Native Foods. I had never written a piece like that and found that writing about an enjoyable eating experience practically allows one to savor a dish for a second time!

Additionally, I was able to share some insight on vegan diets for kids. I am very grateful that I was able to turn my own experiences into something helpful for others by sharing articles on a larger platform. This assignment also led me to reflect on my decisions and practices from over five years ago, reminding me of how I have grown since then. Many people adopt veganism or vegetarianism later on in life, but I find it important to reach specific audiences even if they are not the majority.

Similarly, I wrote an article about vegan options for Latinxs, both in English and in Spanish. This was an important piece to me because, not only was I able to spread information about vegetarianism, but I was able to hit a target audience of Latinx people and Spanish speakers. Since culture plays a large role in determining one's diet, it makes sense to write about veganism for certain demographics. Due to this, I was very happy that I could play a role in outreach to the Latinx society.

Besides the writing projects I partook in, I was able to gain a general understanding of what an internship for a large group is like. While I never interacted with anyone in person for this internship, I was able to work on my communication skills, time management, and make use of my creativity. An example of this was when I was completing an article on vegan lunch ideas. I worked to make sure my writing was effective, accurate, and informative by going through several stages of emails and editing online. To then eventually see the final product of my article posted on the VRG Blog and Facebook Page was inspiring as it reassured me that not only was I improving my writing, but I was also producing helpful content for other vegetarians like me.

Throughout my work for VRG as a long-distance intern, I faced some challenges, but was happy to work to overcome them as part of my journey towards improving the world. As a high-schooler, I do not have as many options for activism as an autonomous and financially independent adult has. Writing, however, is definitely a way to share my experiences and promote healthy and caring lives to a wide audience, which I have been able to do thanks to the VRG.

For information about The Vegetarian Resource Group internships, see [ https://www.vrg.org/student/index.php ]

7) NEEDS BASED PAID INTERNSHIP IN BALTIMORE: ELEANOR MILTIMORE WOLFF SCHOLARSHIP

The Vegetarian Resource Group has one needs based paid internship ($4,200 stipend) in Baltimore this coming summer for eight weeks.

To apply send a resume, writing sample, and cover letter addressing your need, vegetarian knowledge, past activism, short term and long term goals, and what you hope to learn from the internship.

Send to Attn. Internship; [email protected]. Indicate if applying for the needs based internship. For more information, see: [ http://www.vrg.org/student/index.php ] and [ https://www.vrg.org/student/eleanor_wolff_scholarship.php ]

Live in the Roland Park area of Baltimore? We're always looking for affordable or free housing for our interns! Please let us know if you are interested in hosting an intern! [email protected]

8) 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, running booths, 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!

• Matt Baker, RN
• Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD
• Whitney Blomquist
• Casey Brown, RD
• Cathy Conway, MS, RD
• Nathaniel Corn
• Natalie Evans
• Suzanne Hengen
• Skyler Kilmer
• Reed Mangels, PhD, RD
• Julia Mathew
• Rissa Miller
• David Milner
• Katie Nunemaker
• Lucia Rivera
• Tonya Rothe
• Marcy Schveibinz
• Brad Scott

To volunteer at VRG, please contact us at [email protected]
To support The Vegetarian Resource Group's outreach, donate at [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ]

9) VRG WISH LIST

VRG is seeking individuals to assist with judging our 2020 High School Scholarship contest. Must be available during a period of January through March 2020, and have access to email. Contact [email protected]

To support The Vegetarian Resource Group scholarships and internships, donate at [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ] or mail to The Vegetarian Resource Group, Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.

We need help expanding our vegetarian senior guide. If you know of any senior living facilities that are accommodating to vegetarian or vegan seniors, especially by regularly offering vegetarian or vegan meals, please let us know! You can see our current senior guide here: [ https://www.vrg.org/seniors/senior_vegan.php ]

Do you have an old car or truck you no longer need? Donate it to VRG through the V-DAC program and turn it into cash that supports our work: [ https://www.v-dac.com/org/?id=521279034 ]

10) VRG 2019 VIDEO CONTEST WINNER

THE POWER OF PLANT-BASED DIETS

Adam Vossen was a 2019 Vegetarian Resource Group video contest winner.

He said: During my formative teenage years, I spent hours upon hours getting lost on random websites and videos. One day, I stumbled upon a video that would change my life. "Why You Should Go Vegan" was the title, and watching it led me into weeks of research and questioning of my past and future of eating habits. After about a month of contemplation, I decided to make the move to go vegetarian, and a couple months after that, I took it to the next level and went vegan. I've always had a grey-cloud of anxiety floating over my head regarding animal abuse and climate change, and with this diet, I finally felt like I was doing something to combat that. Not only did this lifestyle change prompt internal gratitude, it also provided me with a new community and identity I felt I lacked. I was constantly motivated and inspired by the fact that my food choices were helping my body, the planet, and the animals. Today, I define my vegan lifestyle as a project larger than myself, where my diet is 100% plant-based and I prioritize the environment, animal rights, and my health over my taste-buds.

To see VRG 2019 video contest winners and rules for 2020, go to [ https://www.vrg.org/veg_videos.php ]
The deadline for the next video contest is July 15, 2020.See: [ http://www.vrg.org/videoscholarship.php ]
Video scholarships are given in honor of W.M. Zahn, who was a great mentor.

For information about VRG's College Scholarship Contest (One $10,000, two $5,000 awards), see [ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]
To support The Vegetarian Resource Group scholarships and internships, donate at [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ] or mail to:
The Vegetarian Resource Group
Box 1463
Baltimore, MD 21203

11) FOLLOW VRG'S SOCIAL MEDIA

You can keep up with us on ~

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

12) CHARITABLE IRA ROLLOVER DONOR ADVISED FUNDS

Because the standard deduction has been raised above $12,000 for individuals and above $24,000 for married couples filing jointly, some people may lose the advantage of deducting charitable donations, since their itemized deductions won't exceed those amounts.

So for donors who are over 70 1/2 years old (required miniumum distributions age now raised to 72), they may want to use the charitable IRA rollover. The charitable IRA rollover is a distribution from an individual retirement account directly to a charity, such as The Vegetarian Resource Group. The distribution from the plan administrator directly to the charity counts toward the donor's required minimum distribution for the year, but the charitable donation is not included inthe donor's adjusted gross income.

Others may use a donor-advised fund. Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are accounts where the donors can advise on where and when to distribute funds. Donors claim the charitable deduction in the year the money is transferred to the DAF even though the funds have not been given to the final specific charities. This allows donors to consolidate several years of charitable gifts into one year for their income tax returns. For example, married donors who usually give $3,000 per year to their favorite charitable organization can create a Donor-Advised fund, deposit $21,000 in it for a current year tax deduction, and then distribute $3,000 per year as annual gifts in future years. For example, here is information about a few Donor Advised Funds.
[ https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/philanthropy/what-is-a-donor-advised-fund.shtml ]
[ https://www.schwabcharitable.org/public/charitable/donor_advised_funds ]
[ http://programforgiving.org/charitable/pages/home.jsp ]

This is not legal or tax advice. You should speak to your legal or tax advisor.

To donate directly to The Vegetarian Resource Group, go to [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ]

13) VEGAN SEAFOOD: BEYOND THE FISH SHTICK BY NANCY BERKOFF

For anyone who wants an alternative to fish, Chef Nancy Berkoff has created a collection of unique and good-tasting dishes that will take you back to the shore! After tasting the recipes in this book, you'll agree with the millions of vegetarians who say: sea animals - don't eat them!! In the book, you'll find 'Tuna' noodle Casserole, Eggplant Caviar, 'Fish' Sticks, 'Crab' Enchiladas, and much more.

Take the plunge and try Vegan Seafood today! $12.

Available from our online bookshop at [ https://www.vrg.org/bookstore/ ] or call 410-366-8343 for more details.

14) ABOUT THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP & VRG NEWS

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 ( [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/ ] )

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] to volunteer
Website: [ https://www.vrg.org/ ]

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/ ]

The VRG is an educational non-profit group providing information on vegetarianism and veganism. To subscribe to VRG-NEWS, go to

[ http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/ ]

To unsubscribe, or otherwise manage your subscription to VRG-NEWS, go to

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

(Go to the bottom of the page where it says "unsubscribe" or "edit options". You do not need a password.)

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.