Each issue of Vegan Journal includes a column titled Vegan Action where we feature someone that is promoting veganism. In the latest issue, Laura McGuiness tells us about Jack Egber who is owner of Root 66 Café in Santa Fe, NM. Read the entire column here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue4/2022_issue4_vegan_action.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only at https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

If you are looking for a retirement community or assisted living facility, check out the Shell Point Retirement Community in Florida. There’s even an active vegetarian group there that hosts veg events.

Shell Point Retirement Community
13921 Shell Point Plaza
Fort Myers, FL 33908
(800) 780-1131
(239) 466-1131
https://www.shellpoint.org
Independent Living, Assisted Living Apartments, Skilled Nursing Beds

Has an active vegetarian group doing activities.
Sample vegetarian dishes: Eggplant Meatballs Over Angel Hair Pasta and Eggplant Roulade.
Sample vegan dishes: Black Bean Sweet Potato Burger; Falafel Platter; and Beet Poke Bowl that contains bean sprouts, edamame beans, mango, avocado, and ponzu marinated red beets over red and white quinoa.

For more retirement communities and facilities that serve veg meals, go to
https://www.vrg.org/seniors/senior_vegan.php

Please let us know about any other veggie-friendly senior communities that we should add to the list. Send to [email protected]

Special thanks to VRG Life Member Phil Becker for staffing The Vegetarian Resource Group’s booth at World VegFest in San Francisco, CA. Phil has volunteered to do this booth for many years!

I and some other senior vegans started the Vegan Seniors Unite Facebook page – (VSU) an international group to exchange and support vegan friendly options for seniors. We also meet via Zoom the 2nd Sunday of each month and invite guest speakers from animal activist/advocates and doctors and lawyers. Visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/419407493581437  -Barbara P

For more senior resources, see: https://www.vrg.org/seniors/

The latest issue of Vegan Journal includes Scientific Updates – A Review of Recent Scientific Papers Related to Vegetarianism. In her latest column, Reed Mangels, PhD, RD, examines a paper on Children’s Views of Animals and another paper on The Cost of Food Waste.

Read the entire column here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue4/2022_issue4_scientific_update.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only at https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

photo by Rissa Miller

Here are vegan cake recipes from past Vegetarian Journals (now Vegan Journal).

VEGAN RAVEN CAKE

https://www.vrg.org/blog/2017/01/19/vegan-raven-cake/

CRANBERRY ORANGE EGGNOG POUND CAKE

https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/12/30/cranberry-orange-eggnog-pound-cake/

SHOOFLY CAKE

https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/07/02/shoofly-cake/

DECORATING VEGAN CAKES

https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/07/06/an-inside-look-into-decorating-vegan-cakes/

CAKES FOR MOTHER’S DAY

https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/08/celebrate-mothers-day-with-a-vegan-cake/

VEGAN FILLINGS, FROSTINGS, AND OTHER DECORATIVE DELIGHTS

Cream Cheese Frosting, Royal Icing, Custard Filling, Basic Buttercream, Strawberry Filling, Lemon Buttercream

https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2016issue4/2016_issue4_vegan_cake.php

GLUTEN FREE CHOCOLATE COCONUT CAKE

https://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/10/13/chocolate-coconut-cake-gluten-free/

GLUTEN FREE WEDDING CAKE

https://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/08/08/ashleys-vegan-gluten-free-wedding-cake/

CAN A “REAL” BIRTHDAY CAKE BE VEGAN?

https://www.vrg.org/recipes/vegancakes.htm

VEGAN CAKES MADE SIMPLE

Mango Cake, Vanilla Cake, Gingerbread Cake, Wheat-Free Carrot Cake, Banana Chocolate Chip Cake, Chocolate Cake, Cherry Topping  FROSTINGS: Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Soy Cream Cheese Glaze, Whipped Banana Tofu Frosting, Maple Cocoa Frosting

https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2003issue4/2003_issue4_vegan_cakes.php

LET’S PARTY

White Cake, Chocolate Cake, Easy Chocolate Glaze, White Frosting

https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj98sep/1998_sep_party.php

BEVERAGE-INSPIRED HOLIDAY TREATS

Hot Cocoa Brownies, Cold Brew Coffee Cake, Poached Pear Upside Down Cake,

https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2021issue4/2021_issue4_holiday_treats.php

BAKING TIPS FROM VEGAN BAKERS

https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/07/01/baking-tips-from-vegan-bakers/

COOKING WITH COCONUT FLOUR

White Cake, Muffins, Coconut Cream Cheese Squares

https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2010issue3/2010_issue3_coconut.php

VEGAN CHEESECAKE

https://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/04/03/winning-vegan-cheesecake-recipe-from-gloria-clay/

APPLE KUCHEN

https://www.vrg.org/blog/2011/09/23/tart-apple-kuchen/

WHAT CAN I USE IN VEGAN RECIPES TO REPLACE EGGS, MILK, AND BUTTER?

https://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/06/22/what-can-i-use-in-non-vegan-recipes-to-replace-eggs-milk-and-butter/

SOY-FREE EGG SUBSTITUTES

https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2012issue1/2012_issue1_soy_free.php

A YEAR OF VEGAN BROWNIES

https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue3/2022_issue3_vegan_brownies.php

Join The Vegetarian Resource Group and receive Vegan Journal and the 384-page book Vegans Know How to Party. https://www.vrg.org/member/cabdacae.php

For IRAs, you must take your first Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) by April 1 of the year after you turn age 72, regardless of whether or not you are retired. (In the past, this was earlier.) Your second RMD must be taken by December 31 of that same year. And each year thereafter, you must take your RMD by December 31.

These distributions are generally included in your taxable income. Any distributions made through December 31 will be taxed in the current year. For this reason, many IRA holders choose to take their first distribution by December 31 of the year they turn age 72. Required beginning dates for RMDs from an employer plan vary depending on plan rules.

Generally, you can distribute up to $100,000 each year directly from a Traditional IRA to qualified charities, such as The Vegetarian Resource Group. This qualified charitable distribution (QCD) can count toward your RMD and won’t be included in your taxable income. You can start QCD at 70 1/2.

This is not specific or personal tax or legal advice, for which you should speak to your financial advisor. Here is IRS information: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/reminder-to-ira-owners-age-70-and-a-half-or-over-qualified-charitable-distributions-are-great-options-for-making-tax-free-gifts-to-charity

Here’s a list of some restaurants offering vegan meals New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day in the USA! Happy 2023 from The Vegetarian Resource Group.

California

–Avant Garden, Los Angeles, CA (New Year’s Eve) https://resy.com/cities/la/venues/avant-garden-la/events/new-years-eve-2022-12-31?date=2022-12-06&seats=2

–Crossroads Kitchen, Calabasas and Los Angeles, CA (New Year’s Eve) https://www.crossroadskitchen.com/

–Gracias Madre, Newport Beach and West Hollywood, CA (New Year’s Eve) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-disco-party-tickets-481859012277

–Ravens Restaurant at the Stanford Inn, Mendocino, CA https://stanfordinn.com/

Colorado

–Burrowing Owl Lounge, Colorado Springs, CO

https://www.burrowingowllounge.com/

Florida

–Ethos Vegan Kitchen, Winter Park, FL (New Year’s Eve lunch) http://www.ethosvegankitchen.com/

–Minty Z, Miami, FL (New Year’s Eve) https://mintyz.com/

Illinois

–Chicago Diner, Chicago, IL (New Year’s Eve and Day both locations) www.veggiediner.com

Maryland

–Land of Kush, Baltimore, MD (New Year’s Eve and Day) https://landofkush.com/

–Nu Vegan Café, Baltimore, MD and College Park, MD (New Year’s Eve and Day) http://www.ilovenuvegan.com

–Vegetable Garden, Rockville, MD (New Year’s Day) http://www.vegetablegarden.co

Michigan

–Chive Kitchen, Farmington, MI https://www.chivekitchen.com/

Nevada

–Crossroads Kitchen, Las Vegas, NV (New Year’s Eve) https://www.crossroadskitchen.com/

–Daikon Vegan Sushi, Las Vegas, NV (New Year’s Eve) https://daikonvegansushi.com/

New York

–Avant Garden, Cadence, Etérea, Ladybird, Rabbit, and Soda Club, New York, NY (New Year’s Eve), https://www.overthrowhospitality.com/nye-2022

–Belse, New York, NY (New Year’s Eve and Day), https://www.belsenyc.com/

–Buddah Bodhai Kosher Vegan, New York, NY (New Year’s Eve and Day), https://buddhavegetarian.com/

–Dirt Candy, New York City, NY (New Year’s Eve, request vegan option) https://www.dirtcandynyc.com/events

North Carolina

–Plant, Asheville, NC (New Year’s Eve) https://www.plantisfood.com/

–Sanctuary Bistro, Charlotte, NC (New Year’s Eve) https://www.sanctuarybistro.com/newyearseve

Washington, DC

–Nu Vegan Café, Washington, DC (New Year’s Eve and Day) http://www.ilovenuvegan.com

By Reed Mangels, PhD, RD

Five years ago, a workgroup with representatives from nine federal departments and agencies including the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Defense created a document, Food Service Guidelines for Federal Facilities. This document was designed to “ensure that healthier foods and beverages are available and encouraged at federal facilities, that environmentally responsible practices are conducted in federal food service venues, … communities are economically supported through local food sourcing, [and] that food safety practices are followed to minimize the risk of foodbourne illnesses.” An updated version of this document has not been published as of November, 2022.

This document promotes greater use of plant foods and potentially could result in more vegan-friendly items being available in federal facilities. Federal facilities include federal prisons, national parks, Veteran’s Administration (VA) hospitals, museums, and government buildings. Foods can be purchased in these facilities in various places ranging from cafeterias and snack bars to concession stands and vending machines. There are also locations where food is served such as federal prisons, military dining facilities, and federal hospitals. The food safety guidelines in the document apply to venues where food is available for purchase and where food is served. The other guidelines were created for venues where food is sold although they could be adapted for venues where food is served.

The guidelines for food service  are classified as either standard (what is expected) or innovative (food services are encouraged to do these). All guidelines are considered to be voluntary.

Here are some of the guidelines that are most relevant to vegans:

• Offer a variety of low-fat dairy products (or dairy alternatives) daily such as milk, … and fortified soy beverages. [standard]
• Offer a variety of non-fried protein foods such as seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), nuts, seeds, and soy products daily {standard}
• Offer protein foods from plants such as legumes (beans and peas), nuts, seeds, and soy products daily {innovative)

Environmentally responsible practices that are recommended include

• use of compostable single-service items,
• use of reusable plates, cups, utensils, etc.
• use of environmentally friendly cleaning products,
• at least 25% of foods and beverages served should be locally sourced and/or certified organic (at least 10% of foods and beverages served in vending machines),
• reduce food waste

Reference:

Food Service Guidelines Federal Workgroup. Food Service Guidelines for Federal Facilities. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2017

To read more about vegetarian options in federal facilities see:

Veggie Meals In (or Near) National Parks

Prisoners’ Rights, Religious Practice, and Vegan Meals in Prison

Do Prison Inmates have a Right to Vegetarian Meals?

Food Service Update and Quantity Cooking Information

Each issue of Vegan Journal includes a column titled Vegan Cooking Tips. Written by Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD, the latest topic is ideas for cooking Brussels sprouts. Read the entire column here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2022issue4/2022_issue4_cooking_tips.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only at https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php