The VRG's Maryland Newsletter by Laura McGuiness

August, 2013

  1. A FEW "THANK YOU'S" AND TWO "WELCOME ABOARD'S"
  2. VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS
  3. LOCAL VEGAN PIZZAS
  4. LAND OF KUSH SERVES UP COMFORT FOOD
  5. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS
  6. VRG'S PRE-THANKSGIVING VEGAN POTLUCK IN BALTIMORE
  7. MARYLAND EVENTS
  8. VRG PRESENTS A VEGAN VIETNAMESE DINNER AT CAFE TH
  9. WORKER NEEDED FOR NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO
  10. VEGAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN OCEAN CITY, MD
  11. DUKEM SERVES UP FOOD AND A TASTE OF HOME
  12. GETTING LOST IN BALTIMORE
  13. CHIPOTLE EXPANDS "SOFRITAS" TO ENTIRE NORTHWEST
  14. DONATE TO VRG THROUGH THE COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC)
  15. CALLING ALL VEGANS/VEGETARIANS: COME SHARE YOUR LIFESTYLE!
  16. HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN BALTIMORE
  17. ABOUT VRG

1. A FEW "THANK YOU'S" AND TWO "WELCOME ABOARD'S"
VRG would like to extend their gratitude to all volunteers and interns that helped run various booths this summer. Interns/volunteers include:

  • Cara Marrero
  • Kitty Jones
  • Mark Rifkin
  • Laura McGuiness
  • Priscilla Soto Vargas
  • Karen Leibowitz
  • Chris Dietrich
We would also like to give a hearty welcome to Alan Polster, who is taking over the duties of our previous technician, John Cunningham, and Priscilla Soto Vargas, a new volunteer in the office. We hope Alan and Priscilla find VRG to be a fitting home for the rest of their time here and we wish John luck in his future endeavors.

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2.VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS
The Vegetarian Resource Group will be having an outreach booth at the following events.

MARYLAND AREA OUTREACH EVENTS
Natural Products Expo East 2013 – Baltimore, MD – Thursday thru Saturday, 9/26 – 9/28 http://www.expoeast.com/expoeast2013/public/enter.aspx §2013 DC VegFest – Washington, D.C. – Saturday, 9/28 [ http://dcvegfest.com/ ] 32nd Annual The Vegetarian Resource Group Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner – Baltimore, MD – Sunday, 11/24, 5 PM [ http://www.vrg.org/local/201305local.php#thanksgiving ]

The next e-mail newsletter will be reporting on our last two booths: The School Health Interdisciplinary Program (SHIP) and The Salvadoreno Latino Festival.

NATIONAL (OUTSIDE OF MARYLAND AREA) EVENTS:
Bethlehem VegFest – Bethlehem, PA – Saturday 9/7 [ http://www.downtownbethlehemassociation.com/calendar/vegfest ] 2013 DC VegFest – Washington, D.C. – Sunday, 9/28 [ http://dcvegfest.com/ ]

World Veg Festival San Francisco – Saturday and Sunday, 9/28 – 9/29, 2013 [ http://www.sfvs.org/wvd/ ]

Annual Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Houston, TX – Sunday thru Tuesday, 10/20-10/22 [ http://www.eatright.org/fnce/ ] VRG's Vegan Vietnamese Dinner at Café Th – Houston, TX – Sunday, 10/20 [ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2013/04/19/vrgs-vegan-vietnamese-dinner-in-houston-oct-20/ ]

Albany Veg Fest 2013 – Albany, NY – Saturday, 11/16 [ http://www.albanyvegfest.org/ ]

If you would like to volunteer at any of these events, contact Soren at [email protected].

If you would like to donate towards our veggie outreach, donate at [ http://www.vrg.org/donate ]. Donations can also be sent to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203. Or call (410) 366-8343

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3. LOCAL VEGAN PIZZAS
Have you ever been hosting a party that all your vegan friends will be attending, but you're at a loss for the universal quick and easy party favorite? Well, you can now rest easy and enjoy some vegan pizzas being sold at a restaurant near you.

BOP Brick Oven Pizza: Vegan cheese and a variety of toppings … [ https://www.facebook.com/pages/BOP-Brick-Oven-Pizza-of-Fells-Point-in-Baltimore/294492552018 ]

HomeSlyce: Vegan options for everything, even down to the crust… [ http://www.slycethebar.com/ ]

Johnny Rad's: Vegan mozzarella, sausage, steak, and chicken… [ http://www.johnnyrads.com ]

Two Boots: Daiya non-dairy vegan cheese alternative …[ http://baltimore.twoboots.com/ ]

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4. LAND OF KUSH SERVES UP COMFORT FOOD
By Laura McGuiness, VRG Intern

Land of Kush was a pleasant surprise of a restaurant for my comfort-food-craving self. After staring at the many delicious-looking sides and entrées listed on the menu, I chose the Kush BBQ Ribs, candied yams, and baked mac'n'cheese with a glass of their freshly squeezed lemonade. Each of these choices proved to be tastier than the last.

The "ribs" were strips of seitan smothered in BBQ sauce and placed alongside strips of bell pepper and onions. The barbeque sauce was not necessarily how I remember from 10 years ago when I became vegan, but was instead a pleasant sweet and sour taste to compliment the heartiness of the seitan. I found myself getting full just from eating this, but I didn't let that stop me!

The candied yams were reminiscent of my mother's. They were smooth and creamy, sweet yet still containing the residing yam flavor, and the large portion served to me satisfied my sweet tooth for the day. This was by far my favorite part of Land of Kush; I will definitely be coming back for more of the candied yams.

The mac'n'cheese was a new spin on the original Kraft brand my mom used to make me as a child. Its baked wheat elbow noodles and creamy vegan cheese made it an interesting side dish to discover; I would love to have this recipe to make for myself. All in all, I would have to say this was the best meal I've had here in Baltimore since arriving. The heartiness of the ribs, sweetness of the yams, and adventurousness of the mac'n'cheese coupled with freshly squeezed lemonade satisfied all my comfort food needs.

For information about Land of Kush, see: http://www.thelandofkush.com/ For more information about vegan and vegetarian restaurants, visit both our local and national restaurant guide here: [ http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/Maryland.php ] and [ http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php ].

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5. VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS

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6. VRG'S PRE-THANKSGIVING VEGAN POTLUCK IN BALTIMORE
We hope you will join VRG and Vegan Drinks at the 32nd Annual Vegan Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner on Sunday November 24, 2013 at 5:00 P.M. The dinner will be held at North Baltimore Mennonite Church in Roland Park, 4615 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210.

Vegetarians, vegans, and the merely curious are invited! $4 per person, children under age 18 are free. Please bring a vegan dish (and serving utensil) that serves four as a contribution from each member of your party. Write ingredients of the dish on an index card to accommodate special diets. Guests are encouraged to bring reusable dishes and utensils to reduce waste. A vegetarian canned food drive is taking place the same night. Consider donating!

Volunteers needed on the day of the event for set-up and clean-up. To volunteer or for more information contact The VRG at [email protected] or call us at (410) 366-8343. RSVP not necessary!

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7. MARYLAND EVENTS
VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN MEET-UPS IN BALTIMORE, MD
The Vegetarian Meet-up happens at The Land of Kush at 840 N. Eutaw St. Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-225-5874 in downtown Baltimore, on the first Sunday each month at 12:30 pm. The Vegan Meet-up takes place at Mr. Chan Szechuan at 1000 Reisterstown Rd. in Pikesville on the third Wednesday every month at 7 pm. If you are vegan or vegetarian and would like to eat great food while socializing with others who share your interests, attend a meet-up!

For more information about EarthSave's Vegan and Vegetarian Baltimore Meet-ups, see

VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN MEET-UPS IN BALTIMORE, MD
Come socialize with other vegans and enjoy some great food!

VEGAN POTLUCK AND VEGUCATED SCREENING 6PM-9PM, AUGUST 31
EarthSave will be hosting a vegan potluck and screening of the movie, Vegucated, on August 31st from 6PM-9PM in Owings Mills. Come enjoy this documentary about three people who decide to go vegan for six weeks. Throughout their journey in a plant-based diet, they learn secrets of the meat and dairy industry, but the movie finally accumulates in a happy ending where they realize they really can make the world more peaceful by maintaining their cruelty-free diets.

EarthSave is asking for you to RSVP if you would like to attend this event. RSVP's can be sent to: [email protected].

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8. VRG PRESENTS A VEGAN VIETNAMESE DINNER AT CAFE TH
Let your friends in Houston, Texas know about this event. Join The Vegetarian Resource Group on Sunday, October 20th at 6:00 P.M for a vegan dinner at Cafe Th (Houston, TX 77003).

The menu includes: tofu spring rolls; vegetable noodle soup with rice noodles, tofu, and vegetables; yellow curry with cauliflower, green beans, carrots, and potatoes; vermicelli with lemongrass; stir-fried tofu with tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers; rice; and tea.

The price is $25 per person, including tax and tip. Reservations and payment must be made in advance. You may send $25 to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203 or call (410) 366-8343 between 9 AM and 5 PM Eastern time, Monday thru Friday.

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9. WORKER NEEDED FOR NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO
Reliable, responsible, outgoing people-person needed to assist in veg booth at the Natural Products Expo, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sept. 26 - 28 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Must be available to work all 3 days. Paid positions. Multiple piercings and tattoos must be removed or covered.

Email: [email protected]

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10. VEGAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN OCEAN CITY, MD
By Karen Leibowitz

Food options for vegans in Ocean City can be quite disappointing sometimes when your only options are fries, salads, and vegetable soups. It can get pretty tiring having to place special no-cheese orders for pizza and no-meat orders for spaghetti. On my recent trip to Ocean City however, I found that eating vegan is much easier than in past years. Below are some of my favorite vegan dining options located in Ocean City.

My Nature

A new raw/vegan restaurant, which opened this summer, is a must for vegans visiting Ocean City. It's conveniently located right off the boardwalk on 13th street under the Phillips Beach Plaza Hotel. When you step into My Nature, you immediately see and smell the different plants, including wheat grass and herbs, growing around the store. One part of this vegan oasis is a bookstore with chairs and tables for eating, as well as complimentary pamphlets on gardening, veganism, and herbalism. Another part of the store is a produce market selling local and organic produce, as well as nuts, condiments, and cereals. The best part of the My Nature is the extensive and unique salad bar. Choose from raw and vegan items, including mashed cauliflower, ''egg'' salad, eggplant ''parmesan'' zucchini, spaghetti, lentil burgers, raspberry crepes, raw balls, or a banana split topped with almond crumble and organic berries. They also whip up smoothies at their juice bar! Try the wheat grass juice served in shot-sized cups. (410) 289-1808

The Greenhouse

Located on Philadelphia Avenue, this restaurant's chef whips up new menu items weekly. Past items have included quinoa salad, vegan cream of mushroom soup, eggplant bruschetta, and veggie burritos. They've also featured sweets like vegan carrot cake, mango snowballs, apple pie, blueberry cobbler, and cupcakes. Call ahead to see what's on the menu! (443) 664-5671

Mother's Cantina

This Tex-mex restaurant with a rustic bar atmosphere is another great boardwalk option. They make their own homemade salsa and guacamole. Vegan "fillings" for burritos and tacos include: black beans, refried beans, portobello mushrooms, and sautéed vegetables. Even the Spanish-style rice was vegetarian (it is usually made with chicken stock)! (410) 289-1330

Polish Water Ice

Despite the overly repetitive announcements made on the intercom about their product, this is a great stop for a dairy-free sweet treat option. The Polish water ice mimics Italian ice, but with a creamier texture. Flavors include: blueberry, mango, cherry, green apple, watermelon, and lemon. It's also conveniently located on the boardwalk. (610) 247-5113

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11. DUKEM SERVES UP FOOD AND A TASTE OF HOME
By Laura McGuiness, VRG Intern

I have been a fan of Ethiopian food since I was introduced to it as a child. I loved the injera (I had always been a fan of vinegar, so injera's sour, vinegar-like taste delighted me) but even more so, I was a fan of using the injera as an excuse to eat with my hands (something my mom would never let me do at home.) I sat at the table, injera in hand, scooping up lentils, potatoes, cabbage, and collard greens...I had found my favorite type of food.

Going to Dukem during my second week in Baltimore, MD was a great experience. My fellow intern, Kitty Jones, and my bosses went as a last meal of sorts, commemorating Kitty on her outstanding job working here at VRG and treating me to some free food in the process (my favorite free food, nonetheless.)

Inside of Dukem was a quaint downstairs area containing a few tables, some chairs, and a bar. The waitresses all wore soccer jerseys sporting their country's colors, giving the restaurant a playful ambience. When we were led upstairs by the waitresses and their colorful soccer jerseys, we were sat down at a window table overlooking the street below and across from a television that played an Ethiopian music video. Entranced by the television, we stared at the people dancing and singing; it was fun seeing a different culture's version of a music video and definitely added to the restaurant's fun yet cozy atmosphere.

The menu was five pages, complete with many vegetarian and vegan options. We each ordered the Number 31 which included spicy split lentils, yellow peas, collard greens, cabbage, and salad. When it came to us, the waitress also brought baskets of injera (yay!) and we dug in. The food was delicious; it was just as spicy, vinegary, and fun to eat as I remembered.

Being in a new city without friends or family is hard, but visiting Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant made me feel a little bit more at home.

Dukem is located at: 1100 Maryland Avenue Baltimore, MD 21201 and 1114 - 1118 U Street Washington D.C. 20009. Menus are available at: http://dukemrestaurant.com.

For more information about vegan and vegetarian restaurants, visit both our local and national restaurant guide here: [ http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/Maryland.php ] and [ http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php ].

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12. GETTING LOST IN BALTIMORE
By Laura McGuiness

When you spend an extended period of time in a new city, you're bound to get lost. From what I've seen, however, some people are just more prone to getting lost than others. I am one of those people.

I spent the day in Washington D.C and took the MARC train back into Baltimore during my second week here (I am from California and have lived in the same city my entire life with little knowledge of public transportation). Not only did I arrive back in Baltimore later than I was supposed to, but my phone's GPS was taking me to a nonexistent bus stop. I was a sad sight. Nineteen year-old girl. Obviously not from around here. Wandering around frantically as the night grows darker. I asked strangers for help, I ran from supposed bus stop to supposed bus stop. I saw police cars and hoardes of people traveling through the streets. And finally, once I had given up all hope and was crying on the curb somewhere, a nice man helped me out. Eventually, I got back home and called my mom whilst incoherently wailing something about being lost and thinking I was going to die.

Don't get lost in downtown Baltimore. But DO get lost in the Lost City Diner located in downtown Baltimore! After my disaster downtown, I decided I needed to practice the bus lines and learn my way around (in broad daylight this time). One of my destinations ended up being Lost City Diner on N. Charles St. It instantaneously became my favorite restaurant of all time.

I grew up watching and reading science fiction, so upon walking into this restaurant, my breath literally caught in my throat. There was a small, endearingly cheesy, silver rocket ship propped up on the wall as soon as you walk in, comic books on a rack for your own enjoyment, an old-fashioned counter, booths, a jukebox, and retro science fiction posters plastered on the walls. I took a seat at the counter and was greeted by yet another one of the restaurant's quirks: the staff. They were dressed in green World War II outfits and toting just about the best menu I have ever seen.

I have made it a weekly ritual to go there Friday nights, say hi to the staff, order myself dinner, and follow it up with a vegan sundae or shake. Every dessert can be made vegan; they have vegan ice cream, vegan chocolate sauce, vegan wet nuts, bananas, peanut butter toppings, rice-milk whipped cream, and more. Another day I tried their vegan breakfast platter, which includes two "sausage" patties, buckwheat vegan pancakes, and special maple syrup (you have to request this, so be sure to do it; it's worth it!) They even offer vegan meatball subs, vegan chili, a variety of different "burgers," vegan chili cheese fries, philly fries with vegan bacon, vegan quesadillas (complete with your choice of vegan cheese, beef, or chicken), vegan pizza, vegan chicken sandwiches, vegan BLT's, and many more delicious entrées/side dishes that go by a fun, science-fiction-related title (i.e. Saturn Rings: Onion rings with vegan dipping sauce).

There are still a lot of vegan options on the menu I haven't tried yet, but I definitely intend to. Lost City Diner is one place I wouldn't mind getting lost.

For more information about vegan and vegetarian restaurants, visit both our local and national restaurant guide here: [ http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/Maryland.php ] and [ http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php ].

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13. CHIPOTLE EXPANDS "SOFRITAS" TO ENTIRE NORTHWEST
By Laura McGuiness

Chipotle is breaking new ground with their completely vegan product, Sofritas. Essentially shredded organic tofu braised with chipotles, poblanos, and a variety of different spices, Sofritas is the perfect vegan option for both herbivores and carnivores. It is served to you in either a traditional burrito, burrito bowl, crispy or soft taco, or salad. Topped with your choice of guacamole, salsa, black beans, cilantro-lime or brown rice, and fresh vegetables, you can customize your Chipotle meal to satisfy your taste buds.

Originally, Chipotle had only released this product in California. Being a proud Californian, myself (born and raised in San Jose!) I rushed out with my omnivorous mother to try Sofritas as soon as they hit the stores. Both my long-term vegan self and my meat-loving mother were more than satisfied—and full!

I ordered a burrito with cilantro-lime rice, hot salsa, black beans, and Sofritas. My mother got a burrito as well, but one with brown rice, mild salsa, black beans, and Sofritas. The burritos were huge! I ate about half, gave up, and saved it for my dinner later, but even just the half I initially ate was filling. Both of us thought Sofritas was a hearty and filling substitute, making a normally banal vegan burrito exciting and substantial.

I liked Sofritas so much, that I actually went searching for it during my stay here in Baltimore before I realized it was not available on the East Coast, yet. Not to fear, East Coasters, Chipotle is expanding the product to the entire Northwest region, including Calfornia, Oregon, Washington, and Vancouver. This product is so delicious, it's bound to make it over here soon! In the meantime, if you know of anybody in the Northwest region, tell them to go support Sofritas! It will only make the trip to the East Coast faster with the help of your Northwest friends.

For more information, see: [ http://abcnews.go.com/Health/chipotle-offers-vegan-sofritas/story?id=19807489 ]

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14. DONATE TO VRG THROUGH THE COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC)
Federal government employees can support The Vegetarian Resource Group through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Look for us under Health & Medical Research Charities of America.

We are also participating in the California State Employees Charitable Campaign. If you are a California State employee, please support Vegetarian Resource Group outreach.

Please also remember VRG in other workplace fund drives, matching gifts, etc.!

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15. CALLING ALL VEGANS/VEGETARIANS: COME SHARE YOUR LIFESTYLE!
Vegan/vegetarian families: if your family shares a commitment to the protection of animals and a stringent vegan/veg lifestyle, the producers of "American Idol" and the creators of "Wipeout" are looking for you!

In this fun and "info-taining" new series, two families will join forces to compete for a cash prize. If your family is united by a cause, if everyone speaks their minds and wants to share their views with the world, this is the opportunity for you!

All outspoken and fun families of four (minimum) who commit to a vegan/veg/raw food lifestyle are encouraged to apply (please note, this can include extended family members). Families must be available for filming Oct. 18 - 21, 2013.  To apply, email us photos and brief bios of your family at [email protected]  and be sure to include your contact information. For more information, go to www.metalflowersmedia.com or www.facebook.com/metalflowersmedia.

Casting is underway – apply now!

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16. HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN BALTIMORE
Please consider a wonderful opportunity to host a student. Laura from Germany is a vegetarian and PAX has not been able to find her a host family. Two PAX exchange students just arrived in Baltimore this morning and both of these young ladies are delightful. I am hosting one of these young ladies and my daughters and I are elated to have her join our family. Please make Laura our third PAX student in Baltimore!

There is no specific requirement to be a host family except that you provide the student with three meals a day, a place to sleep (private rooms are not required), a quiet place to study and a loving and supportive environment. The students are required to follow all rules established in the house and are also expected to help out with chores and participate in family activities.

Students who are selected go through an extensive review process and must demonstrate good academic performance, a clean bill of health, motivation and maturity, as well as a good understanding of the English language.

Students have their own medical insurance and spending money.** Host families come in all shapes and sizes and include single parents, retirees, 'empty nesters', young couples with small children, as well as two parent families with teenagers.

Students will attend public high schools—enrollment will be handled by myself. Host siblings are not expected to attend the same schools.I have already placed students at Baltimore City College High School. Polytechnic is also amenable to enrolling students, as is Western High School.

Laura GERMANY
SEMESTER ONLY, VEGETARIAN

Interests: Basketball; Piano; Volleyball; Drawing
Laura and her *whole family really enjoy getting together and playing music*. She also enjoys baking and cooking. She does not have pet allergies. She has a cat and can live with a dog.

Sincerely,

Meredith Safford
Community Coordinator PAX-Program of Academic Exchange
[email protected]
410-382-5359
www.pax.org

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17. 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 ] 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."