Note from the Coordinators
More Signs of Vegetarian Change
We keep seeing proof that there are great changes for vegetarians. Melanie Campbell, one of our nutrition interns, took a look at the 2008 American Dietetic Association/American Diabetes Exchange list. In the 2003 edition, the Meat and Meat Substitutes List gave one line: 1.2 cups of beans, peas, or lentils (although tofu and meatless burgers were mentioned elsewhere in the handout). In the 2008 version, there are two pages of "Plant-Based Protein," including soy-based bacon strips, edamame, falafel, hummus, tempeh, soy-based sausage patties, lentils, soy chicken nuggets, and more!
One of our friends was reading a Chinese language newspaper (in Chinese) and happened to notice that The Vegetarian Resource Group was quoted in a positive article about vegetarianism.
To bring about change, the world needs people with courage and kindness in equal measure, and clearly our $5,000 scholarship winners Randon and Sierra have both (pages 26-27). To be a vegetarian is to take a stand against cruelty and a stand for clean air and clean rivers. To be a vegetarian in high school is especially commendable because so many young people want to go along with the crowd. Randon and Sierra are happy to explain their choices and to practice patience as they teach others the countless good reasons they have to be different. Animals need people like Randon and Sierra to speak for them. However, choosing vegetarian food goes beyond speaking up for animals and the planet. The very act of eating a bean burrito or pouring soymilk on your cereal is worth more than all the words in the world. The health benefits have been documented, and the list of them grows longer each year. And while the cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, lambs, and fish whose lives are spared because of Randon's and Sierra's choices have no way to thank them, we at The VRG admire and congratulate them!
Thank you to all the kind people who make change possible, such as:
- Our nutrition intern Melanie Campbell, whose family hunted, gave up red meat at age 8 after seeing a rabbit killed with a bow and arrow.
- Sponsors of the Eleanor Wolff Internship who enabled Melanie to work here.
- The sponsor of our college scholarships and our scholarship entrants.
- Jeannie, Sonja, and John in our office, who go out of their way for so many callers and volunteers each day.
- Jane Michalek, who has done volunteer editing for Vegetarian Journal since 1996 and helps at outreach booths.
- Jeanne Yacoubou, who has been so tenacious in researching restaurant chains and ingredients for VRG over the years.
- All our members, volunteers, and supporters in the U.S. and abroad.
We wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season!
Debra Wasserman & Charles Stahler
Coordinators of The Vegetarian Resource Group
