Raising a Child on a Vegan Diet is Simple

Over the years The Vegetarian Resource Group has published numerous articles on raising vegan children in Vegetarian Journal, as well as in books and handouts. Most of these materials have been researched and written by VRG's Nutrition Advisor, Reed Mangels, PhD, RD.

Reed is presently raising her two young daughters on a vegan diet. While many books have been written on the subject of raising vegetarian/vegan children, we believe Reed's information is the most accurate and up-to-date. Her writing is both easy to understand and most importantly, practical. For example, in the recently released Third Edition of Simply Vegan, readers will find a Feeding Schedule for Vegan Babies Ages 4-12 Months and Diet Plans for Vegan Toddlers and Preschoolers, as well as school-aged children. There is also a section for vegan teenagers.

Now that we are raising our own son vegan, we greatly appreciate this useful information. Fortunately, Samuel so far is a terrific eater and enjoys a wide range of food. Before he turned one, Sam dined on Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Italian, and Indian cuisine.

On numerous occasions, we've heard that young children like simple, somewhat bland foods. Perhaps our experience is unique; however, Samuel loves eating hummus (a chickpea spread made with puréed garbanzo beans, tahini or sesame paste, and garlic) by the spoonful. He also enjoys tofu with black bean sauce, vegetable chow fun (wide rice noodles) with sauce, tempeh with nutritional yeast sauce, and many other unique dishes.

Samuel presently dines on a huge variety of vegan foods including vegetarian baked beans, mashed avocado, fruit smoothies, blueberry hotcakes (featured on the front cover of Vegetarian Journal - recipe on page 14), mashed potatoes, whole wheat crackers, pasta and sundried tomatoes, soy milk, lentil soup, Mexican refried beans, and much, much more. We find it easy to meet the recommendations Reed has set forth in her vegan diet plans for young children.

Today parents can purchase numerous vegan packaged foods for children, many of which are organic. These items can be served in addition to fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes, and grains. Indeed, we now know personally that it is simple to raise children vegan, and give thanks to Reed for the thousands of parents and children she has assisted.