Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, The Vegetarian Resource Group each year will award $20,000 in college scholarship money to graduating U.S. high school students who have promoted veganism/vegetarianism 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 graduating from high school in spring 2019. Deadline is February 20, 2020. We will accept applications postmarked on or before February 20, 2020. Early submission is encouraged!

Applicants will be judged on having shown compassion, courage, and a strong commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegan/vegetarian diet/lifestyle. Payment will be made to the student’s college (U.S. based only). Winners of the scholarships give permission to release their names to the media. Applications and essays become property of The Vegetarian Resource Group. We may ask finalists for more information. Scholarship winners are contacted by e-mail or telephone. Please look at your e-mail.

For details on the contest, see: http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm

Are you interested in taking vegan cooking classes? If so, here’s some vegan programs:

Living Light Culinary Institute in Fort Bragg, California offers culinary skills classes and raw vegan cuisine classes. See: https://rawfoodchef.com/

Spork Foods offers one-day vegan cooking classes with different themes in West Hollywood, California. See: https://sporkfoods.com/classes/

Mimi Clark teaches vegan cooking classes in Fairfax, Virginia. Each month has a different theme. See: https://veggourmet.wordpress.com/

Vegan Gastronomy offers classes in Spain. See: https://www.vegangastronomy.com/

Vegan cooking classes are offered in Florence, Italy. See: https://tuscany-cooking-class.com/dietary-classes/vegan-classes/

JL Fields offers vegan cooking classes at the Colorado Springs Vegan Cooking Academy in Colorado. See: https://jlgoesvegan.com/classes/

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

Nestled on a hill amongst Mediterranean cypresses, olive groves, and vineyards in the heart of Tuscany between Florence and Siena, you will find a petite organic haven called Agrivilla i pini. This ecologically renovated 15th century Agrivilla is situated off the beaten track of the medieval town of San Gimignano, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Agrivilla i pini was renovated in 2018 with sustainable and healthy living materials to preserve the old and revive the new. You will find antique wooden furniture, handmade by Tuscan carpenters. Furniture that tells stories from back in the days. Bathrooms out of clay. Organic soap for hair and body. No plastic. Everything made in Tuscany, everything made by real hands. From the handwoven linen used in the rooms up to the designer lusters found on the ceilings. Chalk walls sprinkled with organic rice husk providing a healthy sleep. Solar cells for warm water and sustainable sources for electricity. Biodegradable cleaning products, air dried laundry.

The restaurant at Agrivilla i pini stands for a healthy vegan, organic, and natural cuisine. Our dishes are created straight from the garden to the plate. Carefully prepared by creative minds, every ingredient used at the right time and never left to chance. We cater to guests from all over the world who prefer raw or cooked food.

For more information see: https://www.ipinitoscana.com or https://www.facebook.com/AgriturismoIPini/?ref=br_rs

Are you looking for a new vegan adventure? You may want to travel to La Vimea, an eco-vegan hotel located in the charming town of Naturns in South Tyrol, Italy.

According to the hotel, “everything we provide our guests with has been meticulously thought over; from the materials used on the renovation of our hotel, to the fabrics used on the beds, to the food which is sourced from local organic producers and transformed into culinary delights by our experienced plant-based chefs. We also have a health and wellness centre which boasts of an indoor salt water swimming pool, outdoor natural bathing pond, a spa area which offers a Finnish sauna, an outdoor forest sauna, a bio-sauna, a multi-sensory shower and a hot stone lounge. We also offer Ayurvedic and energetic therapies such as massage and have dedicated yoga instructors and facilities for daily yoga.”

The hotel restaurant offers 100% vegan food that is sourced locally, organically and sustainably. A varied breakfast buffet and a fixed five-course menu are offered as half-board and included in the room rate. Breakfast menu comprises of a selection of nourishing options to start the day, from Ayurvedic lentil dhal and fresh chapatis, fresh juices, porridge, gluten-free cakes and savory vegetable dishes. Dinners include classic Italian dishes such as risotto, home-made pastas and panna cotta along with specialties from the region such as caramelized cabbage with orange reduction and beetroot salad with wild herbs. All made in-house daily from fresh.

Note: Vegan Hotel La Vimea is a retreat for adults and children over 12 years old.

To find out more about this vegan hotel, visit: https://www.lavimea.com/

The Vegetarian Resource Group maintains an online Guide to Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in the USA and Canada. Here are some recent vegan restaurant additions. The entire guide can be found here: http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

To support the updating of this online restaurant guide, please donate at:

www.vrg.org/donate

Here are some new additions to VRG’s guide:

Binge Kitchen

449 McCarty Rd., San Antonio, TX 78216

Looking for healthy food prepared with quality ingredients, this is the place! Dishes are made to order from plates of Coconut Crusted Chick’n, Crispy Spinach & Cheese Chick’n, rice bowls of Chinese Orange Chick’n, Hungarian Mushroom Porkoit, Indian Lentil Madras, Apps, Burgers, multiple sides, and shakes!  The mission of protecting the environment and working to preserve the present and future makes a visit to this restaurant worth it!

Fauxmaha

1319 S. 50th St., Omaha, NE 68106

They started as a food truck and now have a brick and mortar location. Enjoy a wide variety of hot dog sandwiches including the Bahn Mi Dog, BBQ Dog, and of course, a Classic Dog. Also enjoy tots. Be sure to check for specials such as a Philly Seitan Steak on their Facebook page.

Frannie’s Vegan Café

4100 North Roan St., Ste. 1, Johnson City, TN 37604

Enjoy their specials such as Spicy Chik’n and Rice and Walnut Taco Wrap along with regular offerings such as Cauli Wings, Veggie Corn Dogs, Sophie’s Southern BBQ, and more.

Jr’s Meatless Cuisine & Juices

3927 Main St., Bridgeport, CT 06606

They only have a few stools to sit on; however, definitely worth trying their food including Rasta Pasta, Curry “Chicken,” Barbecue Tofu, Veggie Burgers, and so much more.

Good Plans Café

22 Lackawanna Plz., Montclair, NJ 07042

Try their Quinoa Bowl, Everything Pizza, Pesto Pasta, Good Avo Toast, Coconut Ramen, Good Plans Burger, and more. They also offer shakes and raw dessert options.

Manna Kitchen

2801 N. Ogden Ave., Ste. 8-9, Lisle, IL 60532

Located in the western suburbs of Chicago, Manna Kitchen offers appetizers such as Cauliflower Buffalo Wings and Crispy “Crab” Cakes. Salad options include Rainbow Quinoa Salad and a Crunch Taco Salad. They also serve a wide variety of bowls along with entrée options such as Schnitzel Platter, Creamy Mac n’ Cheez, and their own Manna Burger. End your meal with one of their yummy desserts.

Plow Bao

5012 E. 7th St., Austin, TX 78702

Enjoy vegan dim sum, baos, and more at this Asian food truck.

Tri Lounge and Café

1938 Clove Rd., Staten Island, NY 10304

Enjoy vegan pizza, pasta dishes, a variety of burgers, chili, soup, fries, mac & cheese, desserts, and more. They also have entertainment on some days.

Vegan in Volume is published by The Vegetarian Resource Group and has been greatly received by people working in the food service sector, as well as those that enjoy throwing parties in their own home or simply cooking in volume. This book by Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD offers 125 vegan recipes serving 25. It also offers a lot of helpful advice including A Fast Course in Vegan Nutrition, The Mechanics of the Operation, Food Safety Pointers, and a section on Vegan Ingredients.

The quantity recipes greatly vary depending on the audience you’ll be serving. Nancy includes recipes for breakfast such as Lots of Grains Pancakes and Peachy Keen Breakfast Crumble. A section for kids serves up Squiggly Noodles and “Not-Meatballs.” For dinner parties and elegant dining for adults try French Onion and Olive Tart and Eggplant “Caviar.”

You will also find quantity recipes for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, bar/bat mitzvahs, communions, and more. Enjoy Watermelon Gazpacho, Spicy Bean Cakes with Fruit Salsa, Curried Vegetables with Polenta, and Sophisticated Poached Pears. Next, move on to college campuses and try Vegetable Tagine, Two Alarm Four Bean Chili, Jumpin’ Veggie Jambalaya, and Gooey, Chewy Peanut Butter Bars.

Grab and Go Fast Food recipes include Sweet Potato Burgers, Cold Noodles with Peanut Sauce, and Fragrant and Fast Tofu Sandwich. Un-Hospital Food items include Orange and Wild Rice Salad, Sweet Potato Soup, New England Baked Beans, Eggplant Lasagna, and Cinnamony Baked Apples. And a section for senior citizens includes recipes for Chesapeake Corn Chowder, Southwest Tomato Rice, Pasta with Vegetable-Marinara Sauce, and Homestyle Molasses Cookies.

Vegan in Volume can be purchased from The Vegetarian Resource Group Book Catalog: http://www.vrg.org/catalog/

The next time you prepare pasta at home and want to try a new sauce, find some creative recipes in Jacqueline Dunnington’s previous Vegetarian Journal article called Super Sauces. One of these sauces will certainly make your next pasta dish special: Spicy Sauce, Rosemary-Mushroom-Walnut Sauce, Thai Style Lime Shallot Sauce, Indonesian Peanut Satay Sauce, Seared Spanish Onions in Tomato Coulis, Four Peppers Sauce.

Find the recipes here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2000mar/2000_march_super_sauces.php

Subscribe to Vegetarian Journal here: www.vrg.org/party

Black and pink vegan ballet shoes for children and women from Cynthia King Dance Studio can be purchased on this website: https://cynthiakingdance.com/veganballetslippers

Find vegan dance shoes for women and men on the following website by searching under the word vegan, as well as make your own custom shoes: https://www.veryfineshoes.com/

Dance Vegan offers a wide variety of dance shoes for men and women: https://www.dancevegan.com/

Ethical Wares out of Wales, United Kingdom, offers vegan dance shoes for men and women. See: https://www.ethicalwares.com/footwear/dance-shoes/

Vegan Pointe Shoes from Australia can be purchased here: https://grishkoshop.com/NextCategory/en-US/P209/vegan-pointe-shoes

International Dance Shoes out of the United Kingdom offers vegan options: https://grishkoshop.com/NextCategory/en-US/P209/vegan-pointe-shoes

In an earlier blog post on vitamin B12 for older adults, I wrote that “vitamin B12 is poorly absorbed from eggs.” Thanks to a reader who pointed out that a recent study found that vitamin B12 absorption from eggs is higher than was previously thought. This study used a different method to examine vitamin B12 absorption than has been used in the past. Despite this finding, it’s still recommended that those 51 and older use vitamin B12-fortified foods or a vitamin B12 supplement to meet most of their vitamin B12 requirement rather than relying on eggs or other foods with naturally occurring vitamin B12.

Reed Mangels, PhD, RD