The VRG's Maryland Newsletter by Mary H. February 2013 ********************************************************************* 1) FEBRUARY 16TH VOLUNTEER DAY IN THE VRG OFFICE AND VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 2) $5000 COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE FEBRUARY 20TH 3) BONE CHAR-FREE SUGAR FROM FLORIDA CRYSTALS(r) AND DOMINO(r) SUGAR 4) 5 REASONS TO BUY 5 COPIES OF SIMPLY VEGAN 5TH ED. AT HALF PRICE - ONLY $40.00 5) SPICE UP VALENTINE'S DAY WITH VEGAN TREATS BY AMANDA GILLEY, 2012 VRG INTERN 6) VEGETARIAN SURVEY FROM UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA 7) NEW VEG OPTION TESTED AT SELECTED SF BAY AREA CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL RESTAURANTS 8) RECENT BALTIMORE SUN BLOG ARTICLE ON VEGAN DIETS 9) SPRING FESTIVALS TO ADD TO YOUR CALENDAR 10) UPCOMING LOCAL VEG HAPPENINGS 11) SIX WAYS TO SUPPORT THE VRG IN 2013 ********************************************************************* 1) FEBRUARY 16TH VOLUNTEER DAY IN THE VRG OFFICE To work with like-minded folks on clerical tasks that help us prepare for outreach events, communicate with our members, and connect with veggie communities around the country come to Volunteer Days in The VRG office in Roland Park, Baltimore. RSVP: [email protected] or call (410) 366-8343 The next date is Saturday February 16th, time to be determined. Tentative March date is March 16th, time to be determined. *Email [email protected] with your morning or afternoon time preference. Example tasks include assisting with mass mailings, helping with local and national restaurant guide, preparing materials for events, and assisting with research. Interested in a task you can do from home? We are looking for volunteers to review scholarship contest essays and write a brief acknowledgment. To help, email Sonja at [email protected] VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT: Soren came to The VRG in middle school when he needed to fulfill a specific number of volunteer hours for service learning. A vegetarian since third grade, he has returned to volunteer with our organization, now as a high school senior and was a valued help two days a week during his fall 2012 semester and now again during his spring 2013 semester. His passion for vegetarianism and veganism goes hand in hand with the jobs he has done for us including clerical tasks, research projects, marketing, and Spanish translation. Thank you Soren and we know you have a bright future ahead! For more information about volunteering email Mary, VRG's Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] ********************************************************************* 2) $5000 COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE FEBRUARY 20TH Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, The VRG will award $10,000 in scholarships to graduating vegetarian high school seniors, bound for college in Fall 2013. Applicants will be judged on their commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian diet and lifestyle. The two $5000 scholarships will be awarded later this year. Deadline: Wednesday, February 20th, 2013. For more information: [ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ] To volunteer to review scholarship essays and write an acknowledgement to entrants, email: [email protected]. This is a task that can be done from home! ********************************************************************* 3) BONE CHAR-FREE SUGAR FROM FLORIDA CRYSTALS(r) AND DOMINO(r) SUGAR BY JEANNE YACOUBOU, MS The VRG received an inquiry from a food company in January 2013 about vegan sugar defined as sugar that had not been processed through cow bone char. As we reported in a 2007 update, [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2007issue4/2007_issue4_sugar.php ] most United States cane sugar continues to be decolorized through cow bone char. We spoke with two employees at C&H(r) Sugar in January 2013 who told us that most of their sugar not certified USDA Organic is processed through "natural charcoal" (i.e., cow bone char). Their Washed Raw Sugar has not been decolorized using bone char but it is only produced at its Hawaii plant and not available for widespread distribution especially in large quantities. However, the company is looking into purchasing cane sugar from other nations in order to expand production of the Washed Raw Sugar. C&H(r) directed us to its sister companies: Florida Crystals(r) and Domino(r) Sugar. Florida Crystals sugar, both conventional and USDA Organic varieties, has not been processed through cow bone char. It is widely available in both large and small quantities. Comparatively speaking, Florida Crystals(r) is more expensive than other sugar brands. For example, in January 2013 The VRG noticed several online stores selling their own store brand conventional sugar for approximately $3/4 lbs. while Florida Crystals(r) sugar sells for approximately $6/4 lbs. [ http://shop.floridacrystals.com/Natural-Sugar ] Similarly, large quantities of sugar differ significantly in price. Conventional cane sugar at several online stores sells for approximately $23/50 lbs. while Florida Crystals(r) cane sugar sells for approximately $36/25 lbs. Florida Crystals(r) Demerara Sugar costs approximately $58/50 lbs. The VRG spoke with Shannon, a customer service representative at Domino(r) Sugar. She explained that although most Domino(r) Sugar has been processed through cow bone char, it is possible to tell from the sugar bag label whether it came from one of two of its nine North American plants in which processing does not involve cow bone char. One of the plants is located in Yonkers, NY and the other is in Orlando, FL. The first number/letter on the package code reveals the plant in which the sugar was processed. The number "1" identifies the Yonkers plant as the processing location. The letter "X" means that the sugar was processed at the Orlando plant. The second number refers to the year in which the sugar was packaged ("2" for 2012). The third refers to the week in that year when the sugar was processed ("8" means the eighth week). The following number refers to the day of the week on which the sugar was processed ("2" refers to Tuesday). The following "A, B, or C" indicates the shift (morning, afternoon, or night) when the sugar underwent processing. The last number identifies the machine on which the sugar was processed. Shannon could not specify whether sugar is only sold close to its plant of origin or whether it may travel long distances before being sold. Therefore, we cannot say that only stores close to Yonkers or Orlando carry Domino(r) Sugar that has not been processed through cow bone char. In December 2012, The VRG reported that Australia has not used cow bone char to decolorize its sugar since 1990. Instead, Australians use non-animal activated carbon filters. The major Australian sugar company told us that they do not distribute to North or South America. [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2012/12/19/non-animal-coal-filters-used-to-process-cane-sugar-in-australia/ ] To purchase our Guide to Food Ingredients, please visit our website: [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=8 ] To support Vegetarian Resource Group Research, donate at: [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ] ********************************************************************* 4) 5 REASONS TO BUY 5 COPIES OF SIMPLY VEGAN 5th ED. AT HALF PRICE - ONLY $40.00 #5 This book offers recipes and nutritional information that can help your loved ones live a healthful, balanced vegan life and make for a great gift on Valentines Day or any occasion. #4 Your purchase of Simply Vegan supports VRG outreach and promotes vegetarian diets in a positive way. #3 With a completely updated nutrition section, you could refer these books to clients or give them away at group meetings. #2 The cookbook includes the new four color My Vegan Plate handout (VRG's version of the USDA My Plate). #1 One copy of Simply Vegan, 5th Edition costs $15.95 (plus $6.00 s/h if total order is less than $25). More than $40.00 savings when you buy five copies! Order your copies today: [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=93 ] ********************************************************************* 5) SPICE UP VALENTINES DAY WITH VEGAN TREATS BY AMANDA GILLEY, 2012 VRG INTERN When I think of Valentine's Day I think of something unusual and exotic. I think spice and chocolate, or I look for show stopping recipes to make for that special someone. Usually to celebrate this holiday, couples flock to a nice restaurant where they pay top dollar for a decent meal. Rarely do I find couples truly excited about their night out together. Normally I hear that what should have been an intimate evening was really a loud, overpriced, and not a genuine outing. For those of you that agree, then here are some fresh new ideas to celebrate. Entree recipes that really made my belly grumble in excitement. "Spicy Mandarin Chickpeas," a recipe from Conveniently Vegan, sounded exotic and delicious. This recipe definitely fits the bill of unusual and the best part is that it is easy to make! Another great option for those short on time and guests is the "Sweet Indian Rice with Carrots and Dates" from Vegan Meals for One or Two. This recipe serves 2 and is ready in less than 30 minutes. Dessert must make an impression on Valentine's Day! From the same back issue in which I found a mac and no-cheese recipe, the "Crispy Rice Square" recipe called my attention. I know crispy rice squares don't sound like a treat fit for such a special occasion but it is all in the presentation. For example you can flavor the rice squares with melted chocolate and then press them into foil heart molds which can be found in the baking section of many grocery stores around the month of February. This technique can dress up any basic and easy recipe, even cupcake and brownie recipes! I can't think of any other dessert that better represents Valentine's Day than chocolate cake. In the book Vegans Know How to Party a "Moist Chocolate Cake" recipe sounded like the perfect option for dessert. To keep the decadence flowing finish off this chocolate cake with a "Vegan Caramel Sauce" also from Vegans Know How to Party. So whether you have plenty of time or are short on time and whether you are cooking for two or six, spice up this Valentine's Day with some special vegan treats! You can read the full article and find the cited recipes on our blog at: [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2012/02/06/spice-up-this-valentines-day-with-some-special-vegan-treats/ ] For more recipes and cookbooks, browse our online bookstore and archived copies of Vegetarian Journal: [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/ ] ********************************************************************* 6) VEGETARIAN SURVEY FROM UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA A graduate student from University of Georgia has asked that The VRG participate in a national survey on vegetarianism and for us to share it with our members. The purpose of the survey is to examine and document the infant feeding intentions and practices of vegetarian women in the United States. Please take a few minutes to take the survey and help this student collect data and feel free to share with family and friends as well. [ https://ugeorgia.qualtrics.com/WRQualtricsSurveyEngine/?Q_SS=4N1HkX7QVENIT1b_e2JKbUBstdJlhoF&_=1 ] ********************************************************************* 7) NEW VEG OPTION TESTED AT SELECTED SF BAY AREA CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL RESTAURANTS Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced that they plan to test a vegetarian menu item at selected locations in the San Francisco Bay Area in February. From the press release: "Sofritas, shredded tofu braised with chipotle chilis, roasted poblanos and a blend of aromatic spices, is made with organic, non-GMO tofu from Oakland's Hodo Soy. Chipotle expects Sofritas to appeal to vegetarian and vegan customers...." For more information, see: [ http://ir.chipotle.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=194775&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1778960&highlight= ] To encourage your local Chipotle Mexican Grill Restaurant to include more vegetarian options including the "sofritas" you can contact them here: [ http://www.chipotle.com/en-US/talk_to_us/general_comments/general_comments.aspx ] ********************************************************************* 8) RECENT BALTIMORE SUN BLOG ARTICLE ON VEGAN DIETS For your interest - I was searching local vegan info for the February Maryland Email newsletter and saw this blog post that offers fact based, practical advice for anyone considering switching to a vegan diet. Happy to see local media publicizing the benefits of a vegan or vegetarian diet! The article references an RD at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital. [ http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-01-23/health/bs-hs-expert-vegan-20130123_1_vegan-diet-amino-acids-folic-acid/2 ] ********************************************************************* 9) SPRING FESTIVALS TO ADD TO YOUR CALENDAR Stop by The VRG's outreach booth at the following events or if you want to sign up to volunteer, email: [email protected] April 11, Thursday from 11:00 - 2:00 Loyola University Health Fair, on Loyola campus April 20, Saturday from 11:00 - 5:00 First Annual Kale-a-Rama Vegan Festival, in Greenbelt, Maryland [ https://www.facebook.com/kalearama?ref=stream ] April 27, Saturday from 11:00 - 4:00 3rd Annual Baltimore VegFest, at UMBC in Arbutus, MD [ http://www.thehumaneleague.com/BaltimoreVegFest/index.htm ] May 19, Sunday from 7:00 - 12:00 Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar, under I-83 in Downtown Baltimore [ http://www.facebook.com/BmoreFarmersMarket ] June 1-2, Saturday - Sunday from 11:00 - 6:00 Charles Village Fest in Charles Village neighborhood, Baltimore [ www.charlesvillagefestival.com/ ] June 27-30, Thursday - Sunday Animal Rights Conference in Washington, D.C. [ http://www.arconference.org/ ] *VRG tabling dates to be determined September 27-29 India International Vegan Festival Sthitaprajna Vegan Centre, Karnataka, India. [ www.indianvegansociety.com/vegan-festival.html ] *Note: The VRG is not scheduled to table at this festival but please let us know if you are attending and would like to take materials for us. To support The VRG outreach efforts, donate: [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1565 ] ********************************************************************* 10) UPCOMING LOCAL VEG HAPPENINGS A rotating vegan potluck in the greater Baltimore area is happy to open their doors to families who are interested in a brunch or late afternoon gathering to allow kids, parents, and peers to share info, ideas, and support. To be added to the monthly potluck announcement email Dana Shaw: [email protected] Bethesda Maryland hosts The Sophisticated Vegan Meetup, a friendly get together over veg meals in a non-judgemental environment. Upcoming events include: 'Cooking Veg-centric Cuisine with Red Wine' on Feb 2nd, 'Vegan Valentines' on February 14th, Delectable Dinner (and Jazz!!)' on Feb 22nd, 'Vegan Brunch Cooking Class' on March 9th, 'Paws in the Park' on April 28th. Specific information regarding events is for members only. Sign up at: [ http://www.meetup.com/TheSophisticatedVegan/ ] Hagerstown, Maryland has the Western Maryland Veg Life Meetup, a forum to meet fellow health-seekers, environmentalists, vegans, vegetarians, raw food enthusiasts, backyard organic gardeners, etc. and to learn more about alternative health lifestyles. For more info: [ http://www.westmdveg.org/ ] February 3, Sunday 12:30 P.M. Baltimore Veg Meetup Discussion at Cafe Zen, Belvedere Square in Baltimore hosted by EarthSave. This casual gathering and lifestyle discussion over great food takes place on the first Sunday of every month. Address: 438 E Belvedere Ave, Baltimore, MD 21212. RSVP: [ http://vegetarian.meetup.com/9/ ] Contact organizer Don Robertson at [email protected] or (410) 252-3043. February 5, Tuesday 6:00 - 9:00 P.M. Small Business Meet-up at The Land of Kush. If you are a small business owner, bring your business cards and build new or rebuild old relationships. Don't own a business? Come introduce a friend to this 100% vegan- soul food establishment. RSVP: call (443) 844-5046 or [ http://www.facebook.com/events/144035782418610/ ] Location: 840 N. Eutaw St, Baltimore, MD 21201. February 9, Saturday 3:00 - 5:00 P.M. Raw Vegan Foods Demo by Nakia Powell of Nakia's Peace of Life Catering, hosted by Open The Cages Alliance at Gallery 788, 218 W. Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Email: [email protected] or call (443) 478-3074. February 10, Sunday 1:00 P.M. Veggie Gourmet Cooking Class with Mimi Clark. "Comfort Foods", put a healthy slant on foods that satisfy and de-stress(r)including some of the following: Shepherd's Pie, Goulash, Yam Fries, Corn Dogs, Mac & Cheese, Chicken-free Noodle Soup and more. $55/person; $100/two people; $50/VSDC, VRG, COK members. Gift certificates available. Make checks payable to Mimi Clark, 9302 Hallston Ct., Fairfax Station, VA 22039. Sorry, no phone or email reservations. Email: [email protected] or call 703.643.2713 for space availability. Coming in March: Sushi & International Cuisine [ http://veggourmet.wordpress.com/ ] February 27, Sunday 3:00 P.M. Meat-Free in Frederick! hosts 'Get a Week's Worth of Food!' Vegan Meal Swap. What you do: make one large dish and divide it into seven containers. Will be heald at the C Burr Artz Library, 110 East Patrick Street in Frederick, MD. More info: [ http://www.meetup.com/Meat-Free-in-Frederick/ ] February 20, Wednesday 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. Baltimore Vegan Meetup Discussion Group in Pikesville at Mr. Chan's Szechuan Restaurant hosted by EarthSave. A supportive group that can help with questions and challenges over great tasting vegan food options. Address: 1000 Reisterstown Rd in Pikesville. Contact: Don Robertson at [email protected] or (410) 252-3043. RSVP: [ http://vegan.meetup.com/29/ ] February 21, Friday 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Humane Lobby Day in Annapolis, Maryland. The Humane Society of the United States, The ASPCA, and Maryland Votes for Animals invite members, supporters, and animal advocates to participate and help make a difference for animals. Contact: Tami Santelli, [email protected] Meet at 6 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. [ http://action.humanesociety.org/site/Calendar?id=108101&view=Detail&autologin=true ] February 24, Sunday 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. EarthSave Baltimore's Veg Dinner Series - and screening of "Peaceable Kingdom" at Your Prescription for Health in Owings Mills. Dinner guests are asked to bring a vegan dish to serve 8 and a donation of $5. RSVP: [email protected] or [ http://earthsavebaltimore.org/__node/76 ] March 2, Saturday 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M., Meat-down ~ a Vegan & Vegetarian Meet-up. It does not matter if you are vegan, vegetarian, or veg curious, you are welcome and encouraged to bring a friend to this low key, pressure-free social gathering. Bring an open mind and any ideas you have to share. RSVP to Natalie, [email protected] or (301) 481-2741. Location: LaPlata Library 2 Garrett Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646. March 2, Saturday 3:00 - 5:00 P.M. Cooking with Tofu and Seitan, demo hosted by Open The Cages Alliances directors at Gallery 778, 218 W. Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. $5 suggested donation. RSVP: [email protected] or call (443) 478-3074. March 16 - April 13: 2013 Vegan Living Program hosted by Open the Cages Alliance. This education program is open for registration if you are interested in living vegan for 5 weeks with the support of Vegan Coaches and information sessions. Schedule and more information on OTCA website: [ http://www.openthecages.org/events/index.html ] ********************************************************************* 11) SIX WAYS TO SUPPORT THE VRG IN 2013 In 2012 The Vegetarian Resource Group had many successes as we worked to make it easier to live healthy vegan and vegetarian lives. We participated in over 30 outreach booths around the country, worked with 8 college interns in Baltimore (plus more long distance), hosted a vegan nutrition presentation day for 12 dietetic students from the University of Maryland, welcomed 100 community members to our 31st Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Vegan Potluck, and connected with more people than we can count by distributing materials at outreach events, through general inquiries to our office via phone calls and emails, and circulating our quarterly, Vegetarian Journal magazine. With your contribution, our programs and outreach can extend even further in 2013. Here a few ways you can support us: 1) Become a member and receive the Vegetarian Journal [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/ ] 2) Buy our cookbooks about vegan nutrition & cooking [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/ ] 3) Sign up for VRG's Visa (r) Platinum Rewards Card and automatically give with every purchase you make. [ http://www.cardpartner.com/affinity/app/vrg ] 4) Remember us when choosing for the Combined Federal Campaign or other Matching Charity Campaign at your workplace 5) Donate in creative ways(r)we know everyone's situation is unique. Donate your time, donate your vehicle, or even donate stock! [ www.vrg.org/getinvolved.php ] [ www.vrg.org/blog/2012/09/14/how-to-donate-your-vehicle-to-vrg/ ] 6) Consider naming The VRG as a beneficiary in your will, life insurance policy, or IRA. [ http://www.vrg.org/donation/bequests.htm] Thank you! ********************************************************************* ABOUT THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP Our health professionals, activists, and educators work with businesses and individuals to bring about healthful changes in your school, workplace, and community. Registered dietitians and physicians aid in the development of nutrition-related publications and answer member and media questions about vegetarian diets. The Vegetarian Resource Group is a non-profit organization. Financial support comes primarily from memberships, donations, bequests and book sales. The VEGETARIAN JOURNAL, a print magazine, is a benefit of membership in The VRG. (For more information, please see the VEGETARIAN JOURNAL online at [ http://www.vrg.org/journal/ ] ) To sign up for The Vegetarian Resource Group national email newsletter, please visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/ ] To sign up for The VRG's Maryland Email Newsletter, please visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/local/ ] We are also on Facebook and Twitter!! [ http://www.facebook.com/thevegetarianresourcegroup ] [ http://www.twitter.com/VegResourceGrp ] To sign up for Parents ListServe Network, visit: [ groups.yahoo.com/group/vrgparents/ ] If you would like to make a donation, become a member, volunteer, or find out more about The VRG, contact us at: The Vegetarian Resource Group P.O. Box 1463 Baltimore, MD 21203 Phone: (410) 366-8343 Fax: (410) 366-8804 E-mail: [email protected], Website: [ http://www.vrg.org ] To donate: [ https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?Action=GC&CID=1565 ] Copyright The Vegetarian Resource Group 2013 The contents of this newsletter, and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your own best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own. If you were forwarded this message and would like to sign up for our monthly local email newsletter please see our website: [ http://www.vrg.org/local/ ] If you wish to not receive the Local Email Newsletter, send an e-mail message to [email protected] with the phrase "remove me from local email newsletter".
© 1996-2024 The Vegetarian Resource Group, PO Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203. (410) 366-8343. Email:
The contents of this website and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal and Vegan Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own.
Any page on this site may be reproduced for non-commercial use if left intact with credit given to The Vegetarian Resource Group and each page linked to www.vrg.org
Click here to see our Privacy Policy.
Web site questions or comments? Please email