VRG-NEWS: The Vegetarian Resource Group Newsletter
Volume 25, Issue 8/9

August/September 2021

By VRG Staff

CONTENTS

  1. NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
  2. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS
  3. HOW MANY U.S. YOUTH ARE EATING SOY FOODS OR PLANT-BASED MILKS? ARE THEY USUALLY EATING LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES OR WHOLE GRAINS?
  4. ARIZONA STUDENT NAINA MISRA WINS $5,000.00 VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP SCHOLARSHIP
  5. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS
  6. VRG SCHOLARSHIP WINNER GRADUATES WITH MASTERS IN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
  7. VIDEO FROM A TEENAGER ON INEXPENSIVE VEGAN MEALS
  8. VRG HIGHLIGHTS
  9. LETTER FROM A READER
  10. VRG BOOTHS
  11. BALTIMORE/MARYLAND: THREE 100% VEGAN RESTAURANTS OPEN IN BALTIMORE AREA
  12. OTHER EVENTS
  13. VEGETARIAN JOURNAL ISSUE 3, 2021
  14. MONTHLY DONORS
  15. ABOUT VRG
  16. FOLLOW VRG'S SOCIAL MEDIA
  17. SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE TO VRG-NEWS

1) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Newsletter Editor Laura is taking a break this issue as she is getting married. We wish her and her husband a long happy and healthy life. We were thrilled to recently see our former editor and intern Whitney, along with her two vegan three year olds. Once the kids are a little older, you'll be hearing more from her. This month we also wish to send kudos to Vegetarian Journal Editor Rissa for all her work on creating VRG videos. See 50 vegan lunch ideas at
[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqoFDjQO2fs ]

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2) VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS

DEL TACO VEGAN OPTIONS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/09/08/del-taco-vegan-options/ ]
VEGAN TACOS AL PASTOR AND TOFU CON RAJAS POBLANOS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/09/07/vegan-tacos-al-pastor-and-tofu-con-rajas-poblanos-watch-this-video-2/ ]
1834 GRAHAM RIOT EXPOSES VEGETARIAN ENTHUSIASM
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/09/06/1834-graham-riot-exposes-vegetarian-enthusiasm-start-of-health-food-womens-rights-concerns-in-maine/ ]
GRILLING IDEAS
https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2015issue2/2015_issue2_outdoor_feasts.php ]
GENETICALLY MODIFIED RENNET - HOW VEGETARIAN IS IT?
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/09/03/genetically-modified-microbial-rennet-how-vegetarian-is-it/ ]
CALLIE SHOWALTER'S INTERNSHIP WITH THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/09/02/callie-showalter-internship-with-the-vegetarian-resource-group/ ]
BEYOND MEAT PEPPERONI BEING TESTED AT 70 PIZZA HUT LOCATIONS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/09/02/beyond-meat-pepperoni-being-tested-at-70-pizza-hut-locations/ ]
CHEESY SPINACH PESTO VEGAN ROLLS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/08/30/cheesy-spinach-pesto-rolls/ ]
STYLISH VEGAN BACKPACKS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/08/27/are-you-searching-for-a-stylish-vegan-backpack-2/ ]
VEGAN WALLETS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/08/25/looking-for-a-new-vegan-wallet-3/ ]
RUBY TUESDAY
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/08/24/could-you-check-to-see-that-the-brioche-bun-at-ruby-tuesday-does-not-contain-any-eggs-or-animal-rennet/ ]
NON-LEATHER BABY AND TODDLER SHOES
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/08/23/are-you-searching-for-non-leather-baby-and-toddler-shoes/ ]
COCONUT LIME GRAIN BOWL
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/08/20/coconut-lime-grain-bowl/ ]
PLANTEGA COLLABORATION WITH BODEGAS AND ACTIVISTS PROMOTING VEGAN ITEMS IN LATINO GROCERY STORES
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/08/19/plantegas-collaboration-with-bodegas-and-activists-promoting-vegan-items-in-latino-grocery-stores/ ]
DAIRY QUEEN OFFERS PLANT-BASED OPTION
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/08/18/dairy-queen-offers-plant-based-option/ ]
FRANCHIA RESTAURANT IN NEW YORK CITY
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/08/18/franchia-is-a-terrific-vegan-restaurant-in-nyc/ ]
CREATIVE PASTA DISHES
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/08/17/andiamo-creative-pasta-dishes/ ]

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3) HOW MANY U.S. YOUTH ARE EATING SOY FOODS OR PLANT-BASED MILKS? ARE THEY USUALLY EATING LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES OR WHOLE GRAINS?

See The Vegetarian Resource Group's 2021 YouGov poll of 8- to 17-year-olds in the United States at [ https://www.vrg.org/nutshell/Yougov2021youthteenwriteup.pdf ]

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4) ARIZONA STUDENT NAINA MISRA WINS $5,000.00 VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP SCHOLARSHIP

Naina wrote, "In my 9th grade year, I noticed that students at my school were unable to engage in science due to the minimal educational opportunities present in my rural town in northwestern Arizona. Also, many students had not yet established a connection with the intricacies of the natural world outside of sports such as hunting and fishing. I knew that I needed to find a way to interest students in the ecological sciences and then develop an appreciation of the beauty and peace of nature outside of these destructive practices." Read the full story here:
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/05/19/arizona-student-naina-misra-wins-5000-vegetarian-resource-group-scholarship/ ]

The deadline for the next VRG scholarship contest for high school seniors graduating in 2022 is February 20, 2022. To see rules and past scholarship winners, visit [ https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]

To support additional scholarships and internships, donate at [ https://vrg.org/donate ]

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5) 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, reading scholarship essays, and more!

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 ]

  • Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD
  • Simon Brown
  • Amy Burger
  • Cathy Conway, MS, RD
  • Keryl Cryer
  • Julia Comino
  • Elissa Free
  • Heather Gorn
  • Carole Hamlin
  • Suzanne Hengen
  • Jessica Langenhan, MD, MBA
  • Nancy Maggs
  • Reed Mangels, PhD, RD
  • Laura McGuiness, MLIS
  • Whitney McVerry
  • Ralph Miller
  • Adhirai Muthukumar
  • Julie Neild
  • Patrick Reilly
  • Lucia Rivera
  • Marcia Schveibinz
  • Brad Scott
  • Betsy Todd
  • Shawn Wistrom

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6) VRG SCHOLARSHIP WINNER GRADUATES WITH MASTERS IN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

Jasmine Leilani Westerdahl (a VRG Scholarship winner) received her Master of Science Degree and the LLU President's Award as the outstanding student graduate at the LLU School of Allied Health Professions at the 12:37-13:28 minute portion of this video of the entire graduation ceremony. You can watch Jasmine receive her degree and award by going to that part of the video. [ https://vimeo.com/558645609 ]

To see Jasmine's high school work for her VRG college scholarship, see [ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/06/30/california-student-wins-5000-vegetarian-resource-group-scholarship/ ]

For information about The Vegetarian Resource Group college scholarships, go to [ https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]

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7) VIDEO FROM A TEENAGER ON INEXPENSIVE VEGAN MEALS

[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bQ50HTglrQ ]

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8) VRG HIGHLIGHTS

During the summer, VRG volunteer health coach Marcia Schveibinz presented a hybrid virtual/in-person program on the Benefits of Vegetarianism at the Lafayette Public Library in Louisiana. As usual she did an excellent job of presenting the information and answering questions.

The VRG donated handouts and copies of the Vegetarian Journal to the Twin Cities Veg Fest. More info here: [ https://www.tcvegfest.com/ ]

The VRG supplied information for experts developing testimony on federal school lunch programs, hospitals, and other institutional food services.

The VRG Nutrition Advisor Reed Mangels, PhD, RD presented a program on Vegan and Vegetarian Diets at the San Jose Public Library in California.

Rissa Miller, senior editor of Vegetarian Journal Magazine and organizer of Baltimore Vegan Drinks presented three virtual vegan talks on Zoom on a range of topics designed to help new vegans tell their family, friends and colleagues about their switch to being vegan. They were "Navigating Life as a New Vegan" for Peace Advocacy Network, "Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World" for Pittsburgh Vegan Society, and "Navigating Life as a New Vegan" for Animal Advocates of South Central PA.

Jeanne Yacoubou researched and wrote an update about kosher gelatin. See [ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/07/02/kosher-gelatin-update-for-vegetarians-and-vegans-2021/ ]

Also see Jeanne's update on sugar and bone char.
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/10/bone-char-free-vegan-sugar-update-2021-domino-sugar-florida-crystals-and-ch-sugar/ ]

The Vegetarian Resource Group was accepted to have a 22" X 28" poster displayed at the Baltimore Washington Airport for six months. If traveling through the airport, let us know if you see this on a column in Concourse D.

Support VRG outreach and education by donating at:
https://www.vrg.org/donation/donation.htm ]

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9) LETTER FROM A READER

Letter from a reader: "The last three packages I bought of Lightlife Smart Ground Original had a smokey aroma and a smokey taste, which was not good in the lasagna I made with it. I'm afraid I will have to stop using the product (for lasagna and some other dishes) if this is the new version."

The Lightlife website says: "Your ground beef just got a plant-based upgrade." Apparently they reformulated the product. What are other readers' experiences with this product? How should you best use it? Let us know at vrg.org

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10) VRG BOOTHS

If attending the following events, please visit VRG at these booths.

RICHMOND VEGFEST

The Richmond VegFest will be happening on Saturday, October 2, 2021 from Noon to 6:00 pm at Byrd Park in Richmond, VA. More info here:
[ http://www.veggiefest.org/ ]

ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS FOOD AND NUTRITION CONFERENCE AND EXPO

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo will be held virtually on Sunday, Oct. 17 through Tuesday, Oct 19, 2021. More info here:
[ https://eatrightfnce.org/expo/about-the-expo-hall/ ]

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11) BALTIMORE/MARYLAND: THREE 100% VEGAN RESTAURANTS OPEN IN BALTIMORE AREA

THREE 100% VEGAN RESTAURANTS OPEN IN BALTIMORE AREA

Matthew Kenney Cuisine has opened two restaurant in Baltimore. The 1st is LIORA, at 414 Light Street. Offers unique Snacks, Starters, Entrees, Sides, and Desserts. The menu also provides extra info for Gluten-free, Nut-free and Soy-free. More info here:
[ https://www.matthewkenneycuisine.com/liora ]

The 2nd is DOUBLE ZERO, also at 414 Light Street, offering Pizza and 'Not Pizza' foods.
Most pizzas can be made nut and/or gluten-free with Gluten-free Crust and Rice Cheese. 'Not Pizza' items include Pasta Bolognese with a Walnut Mushroom Ragout and Pizzaiola which consists of Cauliflower, Oregano, Roasted Garbanzos, and Chili. More info here: [ https://www.matthewkenneycuisine.com/double-zero-baltimore ]

The Hue Café & Apothecary in Owings Mills has opened a Plant-Based Café and Tea Bar offering herbal remedies and plant-based meals. Menu includes entrees, sides, desserts, cold drinks, and lattes. They advertise "Baltimore's Best Vegan Cheesesteak" and it sure looks it. The Black Garlic Mac (and cheese) and Forbidden Black Rice both are not only unique, they sound delicious. More info here:
[ https://www.huecafebaltimore.com/ ]

BALTIMORE VEGAN DRINKS EVENT

September 23, 5pm to 7pm, With Love Co: Plant Based Sips & Eats Joint, 8705 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21234 [ https://www.facebook.com/events/787396568625694 ]

TOM CAT'S KITCHEN

Tom Cat's Kitchen can be found at Farmer's Markets, pop-up events, and street festivals through Baltimore. You'll want to try their lasagna. Follow them on social media for the most up to date menu offerings and market locations. [ https://www.tomcatskitchen.com/ ] or you can email them at [email protected]

INDIAN VEGAN EXPERIMENT

Indian Vegan Experiment has opened a 100% Vegan delivery and curb-side pick up restaurant at 1842 E Joppa Rd, Parkville, MD. Order here:
[ https://www.grubhub.com/restaurant/indian-vegan-experiment-1842-e-joppa-rd-parkville/2741198 ]

SILVER DINER

The Silver Diner located at the BWI Airport - Concourse B in Baltimore, MD has added many vegan options. See them here: [ https://www.silverdiner.com/menu/tags/vegan ]

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12) OTHER EVENTS

LANCASTER VEGFEST 2021

On Saturday and Sunday, September 18-19, 2021 Lancaster's 5th annual VegFest will be held in Buchanan Park in Lancaster, PA. More info here:
[ https://pavegfest.com/ ]

VEGAN SPIRITUALITY FORUM AND RETREAT

On October 1-3, 2021 at Unity Village in Missouri In Defense of Animals and The Spiritual Forum present a Vegan Spirituality Forum and Retreat. More info here:
[ https://thespiritualforum.org/vegan-retreat ]

CENTRAL FLORIDA VEGFEST 2021

The 16th annual Central Florida VegFest will happen on Saturday, October 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Orlando Festival Park 2911 East Robinson St. near downtown Orlando. Keep up to date at their website [ http://www.cfvegfest.org/ ]

VEGETARIAN LUNCH WITH BUDDHIST MONKS IN THAILAND

Oldways nonprofit has announced their 2022 trip to Thailand for food lovers with a focus on plant-based foods including a vegetarian lunch with Buddhist Monks. More information here:
[ https://oldwayspt.org/events/plant-based-thailand-culinaria-plant-powered-dietitian-sharon-palmer ]

INTERNATIONAL VEGAN FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES VEGAN COOKBOOK COMPETITION

The International Vegan Film Festival (IVFF) expands its annual competition to include a vegan cookbook contest open to both professional and amateur chefs from around the world. The Festival will be held October 30, 2021 in Ontario Canada. See:
[ https://www.theivff.com/ ]

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13) VEGETARIAN JOURNAL ISSUE 3, 2021

VEGETARIAN JOURNAL ISSUE 3, 2021 - Latin Foods High in Calcium

Explore the calcium sources in cultural Latin American foods with Odette Olivares Sanchez as she breaks down foods like Mexican Scrambled Tofu and Bean Salad with Cochayuyo. Informative charts explain traditional Latin foods, proper portions, and calcium content. Learn more about calcium absorption as well as exploring nopales (cactus), stinging nettles, and Miel Negra Cake (Blackstrap molasses cake). To support exciting journalism that demonstrates the reach of the vegan movement like these stories, 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. To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal in the USA, see:
https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php ]

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14) MONTHLY DONORS

To become a monthly donor sign up here: [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ]

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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 ( [ https://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/ ]

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16) FOLLOW VRG'S SOCIAL MEDIA

Our Videos can be found here:
[ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvSyCToa_i9fA4D5CLCAFWw ]

You can keep up with us on ~

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17) SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE TO VRG-NEWS

To subscribe to VRG-NEWS, you just need to type in your email address at
https://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/index.php#subscribe ]
Then click subscribe.

If you do not wish to receive the National Email Newsletter, visit
https://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/index.php#unsubscribe ] See Unsubscribe at the TOP RIGHT OF THE PAGE. You only need to type in your email address where it says unsubscribe. Then click on Unsubscribe. A confirmation message will be emailed to you.

OR YOU CAN JUST EMAIL [email protected] and let us know that you want to unsubscribe from the national email newsletter.

Copyright The Vegetarian Resource Group 2021 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.

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