Recently VRG was visited by dietetic interns from the University of Maryland Dietetic Internship Program. Below is one student’s report about the day. Thanks for visiting with us – we enjoyed having you all here at the office!

The Vegetarian Resource Group
By: Kait Fortunato

I sit here tonight with my grilled veggie burger and home made sweet potato fries reflecting on the great day my fellow interns and I had at the Vegetarian Resource Group. While I am not vegetarian, I do try to eat a plant based diet and participate in Meatless Monday. Not only did we receive a wealth of printed materials and educational brochures to gain knowledge of a vegetarian diet to share with our clients, we also took park in intriguing discussions regarding ethical concerns in dietetics. As a follow up to the recent release of the Dietary Guidelines we split into groups to create meal plans for vegan clients based on certain calorie limits. It was fun to come up with dairy, protein, and grain sources while adding variety and considering all age groups. We also had fun taste testing various vegan items including Justin’s maple almond butter, BBQ flavored Pirates Booty, rice chips, carrot ginger soup, and vegan granola and animal crackers. The Vegetarian Resource Group has an excellent website that includes recipes, a blog, a guide for eating out, handouts and resources, and list serves to discuss various topics with people having the same questions and concerns as you are. The group works closely with 3 Registered Dietitians who help create resources and publications and assist with list serve questions. This group is great for new vegetarians seeking guidance, parents of vegetarian children, and even experienced vegetarians/vegans looking for new recipes and information. All in all it was a great experience with a kind staff and I am grateful to have learned so much to share with clients in the future!

If you would like to support Vegetarian Resource Group projects, such as education of dietetic interns, please donate at https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565.