By Griffin Stein

The Vegetarian Resource Group had a booth in McDowell Hall at American University’s VegOut happy hour on February 21, 2018 staffed by myself, a Goucher Senior, and Yasmin Radbod, a previous VRG college intern who now runs the DC’s Womyn’s Collective, Femme Fatale. The event was hosted by the AU recreational center and brought to our attention by VRG volunteer Nicole Tuner. Around 30 students attended on a historically balmy February day.

The first speaker, a dietitian, discussed some of the best ways to get more fiber and protein while dealing with a rushed college schedule. Recommendations included making vegan oatmeal with almond milk and chia seeds as well as using Daiya cheese. The second part involved a cooking demo from a local caterer who herself was not vegan, but was very knowledgeable about how to purchase lasting ingredients to make a favorable vegan Paella with broccoli. The total time for cooking Paella should take around half an hour, but patience should be rewarded as it can be comfortably proportioned to feed you, your roommates, and their friends. Cold Pressed Juices from Garden Of Flavor were later provided and I tasted both Goji Pineapple and Turmeric Root/Ginger Root with Guayusa and Probiotics, the later being a bit too strong for my taste. AU also kindly provided attendees gift bags with a Pumpkin Spice RXBar, a LÄRABAR and Justin’s Peanut butter.

While people got their juice, we were able to talk to attendees and hand out copies of VRG’s DC vegetarian restaurant guide and copies of our Vegetarian Journal. Thanks to AU for hosting such a fun event on such a warm summer-like day in February! If you are interested in volunteering at a booth like the one above, please e-mail [email protected].