VRG-NEWS: The Vegetarian Resource Group Newsletter
Volume 25, Issue 7

July 2021

By Laura McGuiness

CONTENTS

  1. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS
  2. WILL AMERICAN YOUTH BUY A MEAT ALTERNATIVE GROWN FROM CELLS (DNA) FROM AN ANIMAL?
  3. BONE CHAR-FREE SUGAR UPDATE
  4. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS
  5. CALIFORNIA STUDENT ARPI KESHISHIAN WINS $10,000 VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP SCHOLARSHIP
  6. VEGAN REVOLUTION: SAVING OUR WORLD - FREE TEXT DOWNLOAD
  7. FROM VRG INTERN AMY BURGER
  8. VRG HIGHLIGHTS
  9. BALTIMORE/MARYLAND NEWS
  10. OTHER EVENTS
  11. VEGETARIAN JOURNAL PREVIEW
  12. WISH LIST
  13. FOLLOW VRG'S SOCIAL MEDIA
  14. ABOUT VRG

1) VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS

  • REFRESHING NO-BAKE DESSERTS
  • DIETARY CHOICES AFFECT AIR QUALITY
  • HOW CAN I EAT VEGAN ON A BUDGET?
  • VEGAN MEAL IDEAS FOR CAMPING AND HIKING
  • KOSHER GELATIN 2021 UPDATE FOR VEGETARIANS AND VEGANS
  • VEGAN SHOOFLY CAKE
  • and so much more!
QUICK AND EASY IDEAS FOR STRAWBERRIES
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/07/06/quick-and-easy-ideas-for-strawberries/ ]
DILIP BARMAN - TEACHING VEGANISM
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/07/07/dilip-barman-teaching-veganism/ ]
VEGAN REVOLUTION: SAVING OUR WORLD
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/07/06/vegan-revolution-saving-our-world/ ]
NUTRITION HOTLINE: VEGAN DIET AND ACNE
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/07/05/nutrition-hotline-vegan-diet-and-acne/ ]
HOW CAN I EAT VEGAN ON A BUDGET?
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/07/05/how-can-i-eat-vegan-on-a-budget/ ]
SHOOFLY CAKE
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/07/02/shoofly-cake/ ]
KOSHER GELATIN 2021 UPDATE FOR VEGETARIANS AND VEGANS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/07/02/kosher-gelatin-update-for-vegetarians-and-vegans-2021/ ]
POHA (FLATTENED RICE): INDIAN BREAKFAST
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/07/01/poha-flattened-rice-indian-breakfast/ ]
MERRELL OFFERS VEGAN OPTIONS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/30/merrell-offers-vegan-options/ ]
TEMPEH
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/30/tempeh/ ]
STANFORD INN RESORT IS OFFERING TWO VEGAN RETREATS IN 2021
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/29/stanford-inn-resort-is-offering-two-vegan-retreats-in-2021/ ]
ETHICS BOWL COMPETITION - ACTIVISM FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/29/ethics-bowl-competition-activism-for-high-schoolers/ ]
NUTRITION IS THE MAIN DETERMINANT OF HEALTH: INTERVIEW WITH JAY LAVINE, MD
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/28/nutrition-is-the-main-determinant-of-health-interview-with-jay-lavine-md/ ]
TEMPETHON 2021
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/25/tempethon-2021/ ]
JUNE 24TH IS NATIONAL PRALINE DAY - ENJOY MAKING VEGAN PRALINES!
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/24/june-24th-is-national-praline-day-enjoy-making-vegan-pralines/ ]
SILVER DINER WITH LOCATIONS IN MARYLAND, NEW JERSEY, AND VIRGINIA OFFERS MANY VEGAN OPTIONS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/23/silver-diner-with-locations-in-maryland-new-jersey-and-virginia-offers-many-vegan-options/ ]
OPEN TOFU SANDWICH
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/23/open-tofu-sandwich/ ]
NOTHING BEATS A DELICIOUS PEACH!
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/22/nothing-beats-a-delicious-peach/ ]
HOW TO START A CHARITY GARDEN AT YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/22/how-to-start-a-charity-garden-at-your-local-school/ ]
REFRESHING NO-BAKE DESSERTS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/21/refreshing-no-bake-desserts/ ]
VRG FOODS LIKED BY NON-VEGETARIAN FRIENDS OF VRG INTERNS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/18/vegan-foods-liked-by-non-vegetarian-friends-of-vrg-interns/ ]
WARM WEATHER SALAD IDEAS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/17/warm-weather-salad-ideas/ ]
VEGGIE FOOD OPTIONS IN SENIOR INDEPENDENT LIVING, ASSISTED LIVING, NURSING HOME, AND OTHER SENIOR FACILITIES IN THE USA
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/16/veggie-food-options-in-senior-independent-living-assisted-living-nursing-home-and-other-senior-facilities-in-the-usa/ ]
FABULOUS WHEAT-FREE VEGAN PANCAKES AND TOPPINGS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/14/fabulous-wheat-free-vegan-pancakes-and-toppings/ ]
DIETARY CHOICES AFFECT AIR QUALITY
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/14/dietary-choices-affect-air-quality/ ]
MY VEGAN PLATE FROM THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/12/my-vegan-plate-from-the-vegetarian-resource-group-8/ ]
VEGETARIAN JOURNAL'S GUIDE TO FOOD INGREDIENTS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/11/vegetarian-journals-guide-to-food-ingredients/ ]
BONE CHAR-FREE VEGAN SUGAR UPDATE 2021: DOMINO SUGAR, FLORIDA CRYSTALS, AND C&H SUGAR
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/10/bone-char-free-vegan-sugar-update-2021-domino-sugar-florida-crystals-and-ch-sugar/ ]
DESSERT SMOOTHIES
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/10/dessert-smoothies/ ]
VEGAN MEAL IDEAS FOR CAMPING AND HIKING
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/09/vegan-meal-ideas-for-camping-and-hiking/ ]
SHARE BURRITO ON MY PLATE GRAPHIC WITH THOSE WHO MIGHT BECOME VEGAN FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REASONS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/09/share-burrito-on-my-plate-graphic-with-those-who-might-become-vegan-for-environmental-reasons/ ]
QUICK SALAD DRESSING IDEAS
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/08/quick-salad-dressing-ideas/ ]
ENTER THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP VIDEO CONTEST! DEADLINE IS JULY 15, 2021
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/08/enter-the-vegetarian-resource-group-video-contest-deadline-is-july-15-2021-2/ ]
VRG HOSTS DIALOGUE ON VEGANISM WITH UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND STUDENTS STUDYING NUTRITION
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/07/vrg-hosts-dialogue-on-veganism-with-university-of-maryland-students-studying-nutrition/ ]
HOW MANY U.S. YOUTH ARE EATING SOY FOODS OR PLANT-BASED MILKS? ARE THEY USUALLY EATING LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES OR WHOLE GRAINS?
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/07/how-many-u-s-youth-are-eating-soy-foods-or-plant-based-milks-are-they-usually-eating-leafy-green-vegetables-or-whole-grains/ ]

top


2) WILL AMERICAN YOUTH BUY A MEAT ALTERNATIVE GROWN FROM CELLS (DNA) FROM AN ANIMAL?

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 ]

top


3) BONE CHAR-FREE SUGAR UPDATE

By Jeanne Yacoubou, MS

According to their website, ASR Group is the world's largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. In the United States, ASR produces sugar under these brand names: Domino Sugar, Florida Crystals, and C&H Sugar. In April and May 2021, The Vegetarian Resource Group spoke with Michael Burchell, Senior Director, Global Corporate Quality and Daryl Sabourin, Global Director of Sustainability, about sugar processing at ASR. Read what we learned here:
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/06/10/bone-char-free-vegan-sugar-update-2021-domino-sugar-florida-crystals-and-ch-sugar/ ]

top


4) 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
  • Shantika Bhat
  • Casey Brown, RD
  • Simon Brown
  • Amy Burger
  • Cathy Conway, MS, RD
  • Keryl Cryer
  • Julia Comino
  • Wendy Gabbe Day
  • Rachel Eldering
  • Hannaha Etman
  • Elissa Free
  • Carole Hamlin
  • Clarissa Hauber
  • Suzanne Hengen
  • Jessica Langenhan, MD, MBA
  • Nina Lehr
  • Nancy Maggs
  • Reed Mangels, PhD, RD
  • Kim Manzo, MS, RD
  • Laura McGuiness, MLIS
  • Whitney McVerry
  • Adhirai Muthukumar
  • Julie Neild
  • Lucia Rivera
  • Deb Roy
  • Marcia Schveibinz
  • Brad Scott
  • Callie Showalter

top


5) CALIFORNIA STUDENT ARPI KESHISHIAN WINS $10,000 VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP SCHOLARSHIP

Arpi wrote, Knowing that millions of animals are suffering and being killed in factory farms each year, just to be served as school lunches that would usually be left uneaten, completely broke my heart. I knew that something had to change" Read the full story here:
https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/05/17/california-student-arpi-keshishian-wins-10000-vegetarian-resource-group-scholarship/ ]

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

To support additional scholarships and internships, donate at [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ] , call (410) 366-8343, or send donations to VRG, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.

top


6) VEGAN REVOLUTION: SAVING OUR WORLD - FREE TEXT DOWNLOAD

Because the threats to the world are so great, author Richard Schwartz is making his latest book, Vegan Revolution: Saving Our World, Revitalizing Judaism, available to as many people as possible by providing free access to the complete text. It is the author's hope that this starts many respectful dialogues that will help shift our imperiled planet onto a sustainable path. The link to the text is here:
[ https://jewcology.org/2021/03/complete-text-of-my-latest-book-vegan-revolution-saving-our-world-revitalizing-judaism/ ]

top


7) FROM VRG INTERN AMY BURGER

I feel lucky to have been able to work as an intern for The Vegetarian Resource Group during the Spring 2021 semester. I hoped to do an internship as part of my Master of Arts in English, but due to the pandemic, my school's listed opportunities were much more limited than usual, and often required hours that wouldn't work for my schedule, since I have a full-time job. As a result of these factors, finding an internship placement seemed like a challenge, but as it turns out, the answer was closer than I'd imagined. For the rest of article see:

https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/05/18/my-vegetarian-resource-group-internship-4/ ]

top


8) VRG HIGHLIGHTS

Thank you to the San Jose, California public library system for inviting VRG to do 8 programs on veg diets.

VRG donors sponsored the Land of Kush's preparation and distribution of 50 vegan meals for the needy. Thanks to all our generous donors. See video of their good work here: [ https://www.facebook.com/TheLandofKush/videos/475527426962428 ]

VRG Nutrition Advisor Reed Mangels did a virtual in-service for ten University of Maryland dietetic interns. These students already have their undergrad nutrition degree, and are doing their one year internship towards a registered dietitian certification.

After their internship, two of the University of Maryland students decided to do a three day rotation with VRG for further exposure to vegan diets.

Reed Mangels was interviewed for a study on the future of plant-based alternatives to Cow's milk in chocolate products. This was conducted by a global research organization. We would expect businesses to use this information for future products.

Reed Mangels also did a virtual presentation for the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

We're busy this summer with virtual interns from Mississippi, Washington, California, and elsewhere. Look for their interesting postings on our Facebook Group [ https://www.facebook.com/thevegetarianresourcegroup ]

See VRG Research director Jeanne Yacoubou's Sugar and Bone Char research at [ https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2020issue3/2020_issue3_sweet_stuff.php ]

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.

You can donate and support VRG projects here:
https://www.vrg.org/donation/donation.htm ]

top


9) BALTIMORE/MARYLAND NEWS

CAJOU CREAMERY BALTIMORE PLANT-BASED ICE CREAM COMPANY

Cajou Creamery is a Baltimore based, Black owned, plant-based ice cream company. They specialize in crafting super-premium ice cream using whole foods that are made from scratch and are free from chemicals, artificial flavors, or fillers. You can find their products in many stores in the Baltimore-DC Area, as well as at the local Market at Montebello. They are planning to open a brick and mortar spot in Howard Row at 411 N. Howard St. Baltimore, MD in the BROMO District of Baltimore City. For those not in the Baltimore area they ship nationwide. More information here:
[ https://cajoucreamery.com/ ]

THE MARKET AT MONTEBELLO

The Market at Montebello is a monthly, lakeside market which takes place at Lake Montebello in NE Baltimore. The Market, organized and hosted by the makers of Cajou, is a community health and wellness village, featuring some of Baltimore's producers, makers, and creatives, set in beautiful setting in Baltimore City! More info here:
[ https://www.facebook.com/themarketatmontebello/community/ ]

BUSBOYS AND POETS OPENS NEW RESTAURANT IN BALTIMORE

Busboys and Poets has opened a new location at 3224 St. Paul Street in Baltimore, Maryland. For the uninitiated, the name refers to Harlem Renaissance poet, playwright and social advocate Langston Hughes who worked as a busboy prior to gaining recognition as a poet. Vegan menu items include an "Egg" Scramble or Wrap; Quinoa or Falafel Salad; Tempa, Portobelo, Avocado or Grilled "Cheese" Paninis; BBQ "Beef", Crispy "Chicken" or "Tuna" Sandwich; and a black bean burger. More info here: [ https://www.busboysandpoets.com/ ]

VEGAN SOULFEST RESCHEDULED FOR 2022

Vegan Soulfest will not be happening in 2021 but is rescheduled for 2022. Keep up to date here [ https://www.vegansoulfest.com/ ]

YOGA, PIGS, VEGAN POTLUCK AND FULL MOON GAZING

On July 24, 2021 and August 22, 2021 to kick off their 10 year anniversary Whispering Rise Farm Animal Sanctuary in Freeland, Maryland will host "Yoga, Pigs, Vegan Potluck and Full Moon Gazing." There will be several yoga, vegan potluck and full moon fund raiser events. The evenings will begin with a one-hour yoga flow led by vegan instructor, Liz Schmidt. Next, feed veggies to the pigs and enjoy a vegan potluck supper by the campfire. Finally, as the sun goes down, get a close look at the full moon via telescope while you listen to a discussion of moon facts and lore by Rissa Miller, VRG Senior Editor. These are outdoor events with limited availability (15 guests only). All ticket funds go to the support, care, and feeding of the animal residents. For tickets follow this link:
[ https://www.facebook.com/WRFAS ]

top


10) OTHER EVENTS

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-dietitiansharon-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 on Saturday, October 23, 2021 in Ontario Canada. Deadline for submissions is June 30, 2021. For a full list of rules and terms visit: [ https://www.theivff.com/vegan-cookbook-contest.html ]

top


11) VEGETARIAN JOURNAL PREVIEW

VEGETARIAN JOURNAL ISSUE 2, 2021 - All Kinds of Rice

Ever wonder what to do with red rice, forbidden rice, or jade rice? Journey into the world of exotic rices with Chef Nancy Berkoff. Rices from around the world are explored and explained, from how to cook them to where they come from. Try Sofrito with Carolina Gold Rice, Greek Spanakorizo, Walnut & Wild Rice Salad, Cashew Coconut Purple Rice, and Red Rice Pilaf as well as sweet Mango Sticky Rice. Subscribe to the Vegetarian Journal to support 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. To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal in the USA, see:
https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php ]

top


12) 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:

  • 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 ]
  •  
  • Join The VRG as a member to support our efforts in creating a vegan world! Annual membership is $25 and includes a subscription to the quarterly Vegetarian Journal. Join for two years at $35, and get two years of the Journal, plus a free copy of Simply Vegan cookbook by Debra Wasserman and Reed Mangels, PhD, RD. The book features more than 160 quick recipes like Sweet Orange Rice, Avocado Boats, Pasta in Spicy Tahini Sauce, Peach-Barbeque Tempeh, and Heavenly Chocolate Cupcakes. Additionally, Simply Vegan has an extensive nutrition section covering topics such as protein, calcium, iron, vitamin b12 and more! Join here:
    https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php ]

Follow VRG on Instagram! Join us on Insta for daily updates, recipes, photos and more by following @vegetarianresourcegroup or clicking through at [ https://www.instagram.com/vegetarianresourcegroup/ ] - and share this link with your friends.

top


13) FOLLOW VRG'S SOCIAL MEDIA

You can keep up with us on ~

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.

top


14) 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 ( [ 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 [ https://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/index.php#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 state in the subject line: unsubscribe from the national email newsletter.

top