1) THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP’S 1ST ANNUAL ONLINE CHARITY AUCTION: JUNE 1-JUNE 15, 2015

Bid on unique products from your favorite veg-friendly companies for a good cause at The Vegetarian Resource Group’s 1st Annual Online Charity Auction! June 1st through June 15th, 2015, The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) will hold an online fundraising auction via Ebay Giving Works where 100% of each item’s final bid price will be donated to The VRG. Funds from this event will be used to help offset the costs of printing and shipping our vegan and vegetarian-based educational materials, which we have provided to activists, professionals and organizations around the country, for over 33 years, free of charge! The link to the auction will be shared on our website (vrg.org) and Facebook page ([ https://www.facebook.com/thevegetarianresourcegroup ] ) the day it goes live on June 1st at 10 am. If you would like to receive sneak peaks of all the amazing vegan goodies being offered in this auction please RSVP on Facebook at: [ https://www.facebook.com/events/1412672129044692/ ] If you have any questions about this event or you are a veg-friendly business that would like to donate an item please contact our Outreach Coordinator, Nina, at [email protected]. We thank you in advance for your support! ] Please note that if you bid on and buy an item, you can not take a charitable tax deduction up to the worth of the item, since you are receiving a benefit.

2) A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING VRG VOLUNTEERS

We would like to thank the following volunteers for their amazing work this month on VRG’s Vegetarian Restaurant Guide, VRG Scholarship applications, and other projects:

• Matt Baker, R.N.
• Shani Stewart
• Laura McGuiness
• Anne Porterfield Custer
• Casey Brown
• Jenny Saccenti
• Nanette Blanchard
• Tim Addicks
• Ryan Andrews
• Whitney Blomquist
• Anna Balfanz
• Priscilla Broadwater

Research for our Restaurant Guide and scholarship responses can be done at our office located in Baltimore, MD or remotely using your computer at home. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Nina at [email protected]g.

3) VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS

MARYLAND AREA OUTREACH EVENTS

Spring Into Good Health Festival

Baltimore, MD
04/25

Baltimore Vegfest

Baltimore, MD
05/09
[ https://newenglandvegfest.com/ ]

Charles Village Festival

Baltimore, MD
05/30-31

NATIONAL (OUTSIDE OF MARYLAND AREA) EVENTS:

New England Vegfest

Worcester, MA
04/26
[ https://newenglandvegfest.com/ ]

Richmond Vegfest

Richmond, VA
06/20
[ http://www.veggiefest.org/ ]

Animal Rights Conference

Washington, DC
07/30-8/2
[ http://www.arconference.org/ ]

DC VegFest

Washington, DC
10/3
[ http://dcvegfest.com/ ]

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Nashville, TN

10/3-10/6
[ http://www.eatrightnashville.org/index.php/category/meetings/ ]

If you would like to volunteer at any of these events, contact Nina 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.

4) MARYLAND AREA EVENTS

VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN MEET-UPS IN BALTIMORE, MD

The Vegetarian Meet-up happens at

Mango Grove
8865 Stanford Boulevard
Columbia, Maryland 21045

on the first Sunday each month at 12:30 PM.

The Vegan Meet-up takes place at

Mr. Chan Szechuan
1000 Reisterstown Rd.
Pikesville, MD

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,

• [ http://www.meetup.com/vegetarian-9/ ]
• [ http://www.meetup.com/The-Baltimore-Vegan-Meetup-Group/ ]

JOIN EARTHSAVE FOR A VEGAN POTLUCK

Held on the last Saturday every month at

Towson Presbyterian Church
400 W Chesapeake Ave.
Towson, MD 21204

EarthSave presents a vegan potluck and presentation. They eat first, make announcements, vote and present awards for their favorite dishes, and then have a presentation. This month, on April 25th from 6-8 PM, the founder and director of On Purpose Networking for Women, and publisher of On Purpose Woman magazine, Ginny Presley Robertson, will be helping us move forward and step into our full potential as leaders and examples to others. RSVP and Join us!

Dinner guests may choose to either bring a dish without animal products (to serve 8) plus a $5 donation, pay $15 to enjoy dinner and a presentation; or pay $5 for presentation only. Let us know in advance, if possible, if you plan to pay for dinner rather than bring a dish. RSVP by calling 410-252-3043, or emailing [email protected].

SPEND YOUR TUESDAYS DISCUSSING CURRENT ISSUES IN WHOLE-FOOD PLANT-BASED NUTRITION

Held at 7:00 PM on the second Tuesday of every month at varying locations, The Baltimore Whole Food Plant-Based Nutrition Meet-Up meets to discuss some of the current topics and issues in whole-food plant-based nutrition.

For more information, visit:
[ http://www.meetup.com/Baltimore-Whole-Food-Plant-Based-Nutrition/ ]

DINEKIND

Dinekind Harford meets monthly to share information on the benefits of a plant-based diet. For more information, visit:
[ http://www.dinekindharford.com/ ]

BALTIMORE VEGAN DRINKS' MONTHLY MEETUP

Vegan Drinks will be hosting their monthly event on April 7th from 7 PM to 9 PM at

Spice and Dice Thai
1220 E. Joppa Rd.
Towson, MD 21286

The menu will include soups, salads, noodle bowls, tofu and vegetable curries, rice dishes, and their famous crispy eggplant! There are more than a dozen gluten-free options as well.

Vegan Drinks will also be hosting an event from 7 PM to 9 PM on April 20th at

Verde Pizza
641 S. Montford Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21224

They will also be hosting a Veganic Gardening Seminar on April 26th in Catonsville, MD 21228.

To RSVP, please visit: [ https://www.facebook.com/BaltimoreVeganDrinks ] or e-mail [email protected]

For more information about Vegan Drinks, visit:

• [ https://www.facebook.com/BaltimoreVeganDrinks ]
• [ http://bmorevegan.com/%20 ]

OPEN THE CAGES ALLIANCE

Registration is open for the 2015 Baltimore Vegan Living Program. The Vegan Living Program (VLP) is a series of educational events that tell you everything you need to know about living vegan. Each spring, we host Vegan Pledges who pledge to live vegan for the 5-week program, with the help of volunteer Vegan Coaches. VLP is mandatory for anybody that wants to be a pledge or coach; there are six sessions which will be held at

Mt. Royal Elementary/Middle School
121 McMechen St.
Baltimore, MD 21217

On April 18th, half the participants will take a field trip to

Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary
15200 Mt. Nebo Road
Poolesville, MD 20837

and the other half will view a film; on April 25th we will switch.

• Saturday April 4th 3:00-5:00 PM at Mt. Royal Elem. -
  Vegan Nutrition with Dr. Ruby Lathon of Roadmap to Holistic Health.
• Saturday April 11th 3:00-5:00 PM at Mt. Royal Elem. -
  Making the Connection: Sustaining Veganism by Understanding the Big Picture with Brenda Sanders of Better Health Better Life.
• Saturday April 18th - Participants divide into two groups...
  • 12:00-2:00 PM
    Field Trip to Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Poolesville, Maryland. Tour with Co-Founder Terry Cummings
  • 3:00-5:00 PM at Mt Royal Elem.
    Film screening: “Cowspiracy” sponsored by the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College
• Saturday April 25th - Participants divide into two groups...
  • 12:00-2:00 PM
    Field Trip to Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Poolesville, Maryland. Tour with Co-Founder Terry Cummings
  • 3:00-5:00 PM at Mt Royal Elem.
    Film screening: “Cowspiracy” sponsored by the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College
• Saturday May 2nd 3:00-5:00 at Mt. Royal Elem. - Vegan Pledge Graduation!

Not yet vegan? Be a Vegan Pledge! Read all about it at www.VeganLivingProgram.org, and register online here:
[ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BmoreVeganPledge2015 ]

Are you vegan? Be a Vegan Coach! Read all about it at
www.VeganLivingProgram.org, and register online here:
[ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BmoreVeganPledge2015 ] .
(New Coaches, please see Orientation info!) ]

Vegan-curious, but not ready to pledge? Come to the educational sessions! (Only Pledges & Coaches must pre-register.)

Volunteer! Help us promote the VLP, or lend a hand at the program itself. Contact [email protected].

MONTHLY COOKING CLASSES

Taking place on Sunday, April 12, 2015 from 10 AM to 1 PM in Fairfax Station, VA, is a cooking class all about soyfoods! Learn the health benefits of cooking with soyfood derivatives. Past classes have included some of the following:

• roasted soy nuts
• organic soy milk smoothies
• edamame hummus
• miso tahini spread
• ranch dressing
• miso soup
• tofu boursin cheese
• tempeh medallions in black bean sauce
• tempeh salad
• tempeh Reuben
• TVP meatloaf
• marinated baked tofu
• tofu nuggets
• breaded tofu
• soy chili
• Thai tofu
• sesame tofu bowl
• fudgesicles

No meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, or honey. $55/person; $100/two people; $50/VSDC, VRG, or COK members. Demonstration classes include recipes, organic food samples, manufacturers' samples coupons. Gift certificates are available for purchase.

Email [email protected] or call 703-643-2713 for space availability. Make checks payable to Mimi Clark and mail to

9302 Hallston Ct.
Fairfax Station, VA 22039

Sorry, no phone or e-mail reservations and no walk-ins. Seventy-two hour cancellation policy for refund or credit. Class subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not met.

Check website for monthly class updates:
[ http://www.veggourmet.wordpress.com ]

MARYLANDVEGEVENTS.COM

Marylandvegevents.com is a one stop calendar site for all MD/DC vegan and vegetarian events. If you are looking to network, socialize, and/or engage in social activism you will find plenty of opportunities here. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or interested in trying vegetarianism/veganism, you will find many exciting and fulfilling events.

5) VRG VEGAN RESTAURANT GATHERING - NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015

Sitar Indian Restaurant

Network with Vegetarian Resource Group staff, volunteers, and other dietitians from around the country during the annual meeting of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dietitians, VRG members, students, and the public are invited. Location is near the Lowes Vanderbilt, a FNCE (conference) hotel.

Buffet menu:

• Samosa (potato and pea turnover)
• Salad
• Papadum (thin and crispy lentil crackers)
• Roti (whole wheat bread)
• Chutney
• Rice, Tea
• Yellow Dal (lentils)
• Chana Masala (chickpeas)
• Baingan Bhurtha (eggplant)
• Bhindi Masala (okra)
• Vegetable Patia (fresh vegetables with sweet and sour mangoes)
• Fruit

Price including tax and tip payment before September 5, 2015: $25
$30 after September 5.

Refunds only made if we can replace your seat. To pay, send to

The Vegetarian Resource Group
P.O. Box 1463
Baltimore, MD 21203

call (410)366-8343 Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, or go to www.vrg.org/donate and write in the comments, “Nashville Indian dinner” and names of attendees.

6) POLLINATION PROJECT

They provide $1,000 startup grants to individual change makers and projects that promote compassion around the world. The foundation does not fund projects that support the consumption, distribution, farming, eating of animals or animal products. They encourage vegan youth to apply.

See: [ https://thepollinationproject.org/ ]

7) ALEX HERSHAFT: FROM HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR TO ANIMAL RIGHTS; SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015

On Sunday, May 17th, 2015 at 3:30PM, Alex Hershaft will be speaking at Ner Tamid, 4217 Pimlico Road Baltimore, MD 21209. Alex is the co-founder of Farm Animal Rights Movement, the nation's oldest organization that exclusively promotes the rights of animals. Early in his life Alex and his parents were forced to move into the Warsaw Ghetto. As the Nazis began liquidating the area and sending people to the Treblinka death camp, Alex and his family escaped.

The VRG will be co-sponsoring this event, so join us at this unique demonstration of perseverance and dedication.

Tickets are available at JewishVeg.org/Tickets. They are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. Vegan refreshments will be available.

For more information, visit: [ http://jewishveg.org/Baltimore ]

8) APPLY TO THE VRG VIDEO SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST--DEADLINE: JULY 15, 2015

You can be this year's VRG video winner! The next contest deadline is July 15, 2015. For more information on how to apply and the rules surrounding the contest, visit:
[ http://www.vrg.org/videoscholarship.php ]

For information about our $5,000 and $10,000 scholarship contest for high school seniors, see:
[ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ] Deadline is February 20, 2016.

If you would like to support VRG internships or our scholarship contests, please donate at: www.vrg.org/donate

Join The Vegetarian Resource Group at: [ http://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php ]

9) MATCHING DONATIONS

Don't forget that many employers will match your donation to nonprofits such as The Vegetarian Resource Group, often up to $5,000. A partial list of employers that match can be seen here at www.vrg.org/donate by checking "employer to match" and clicking on "Please Select."

10) VRG'S YAHOO PARENT'S GROUP

Are you or someone you know raising a vegetarian or vegan child? If so, you may want to join a network of parents interested in exchanging ideas on various vegetarian/vegan topics including: finding a vegan summer camp, vegan dining options at Disney World, what can I pack in my child’s lunchbox, how have you and your child dealt with the dissection issue in school, can you recommend a veggie-friendly pediatrician or dietitian, is there a veggie children’s group in my area, etc.

For more information on this online Yahoo Group see:
[ https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/vrgparents/info ]

11) AMAZON SMILE: PURCHASE THROUGH AMAZON AND MAKE A DONATION TO VRG

Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Vegetarian Resource Group whenever you shop on AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.

Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at
[ http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1279034 ]

12) DONATE YOUR CAR TO A GOOD CAUSE

A free, convenient service for converting that extra car, truck, or RV into

a tax deductible donation benefiting The Vegetarian Resource Group. You can donate online or call 877-999-8322 to make your donation.

Start now by clicking on "Donate Now" below. If you are not ready to donate, find out about donating your vehicle by browsing all the valuable information and links on our site at: [ http://www.v-dac.com/org/?id=52127903 ]

13) BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR FOR VRG

The Vegetarian Resource Group greatly appreciates the support given by our monthly donors. You can join our monthly giving group with a minimum gift of just $10 a month by going to www.vrg.org/donate. You will be part of a network of givers who support our outreach efforts on an ongoing basis. These donations allow us to continue vegan education in a wide variety of venues including schools, doctor and dietitian offices, libraries, various professional conferences, animal rights events, health fairs, environmental festivals, and much more. Thank you for your support!

14) VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS - SILICON DIOXIDE, VEGAN PIZZA IN CANADA, VEGAN EATING IN COSTA RICA, VEGAN ITALIAN CUISINE, VEGGIE OPTIONS AT CAMDEN YARDS IN BALTIMORE, JACKFRUIT, BECOMING A VEGAN FOOD TECHNOLOGIST, VEGAN PASSOVER RECIPES, USDA PETITION, AND MORE

WHOLESOY & COMPANY CLOSING

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/04/01/wholesoy-company-closing/ ]

THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP 2015 VIDEO CONTEST

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/04/01/the-vegetarian-resource-group-2015-video-contest/ ]

SILICON DIOXIDE

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/31/silicon-dioxide/ ]

14-YEAR-OLD DESIGNED AND NOW SELLS VEGGIE T-SHIRT

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/31/14-year-old-designed-and-now-sells-veggie-t-shirt/ ]

BASEBALL FANS CAN NOW FIND VEGGIE OPTIONS AT CAMDEN YARDS IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/27/baseball-fans-can-now-find-veggie-options-at-camden-yards-in-baltimore-maryland/ ]

IT'S EASIER TO FIND VEGAN PIZZA IN CANADA NOW!

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/26/its-easier-to-find-vegan-pizza-in-canada-now/ ]

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE, MADE VEGAN!

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/26/auththentic-italian-cuisine-made-vegan/ ]

AMY'S KITCHEN RECALLS PRODUCTS CONTAINING ORGANIC SPINACH

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/24/amys-kitchen-recalls-products-containing-organic-spinach/ ]

VEGAN EATING IN COSTA RICA

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/19/vegan-eating-in-costa-rica/ ]

"VEGAN STREET FAIR IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA MAKES HISTORY"

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/19/vegan-street-fair-in-los-angeles-california-makes-history/ ]

PETITION TO USDA & HHS ON SUSTAINABLE DIETARY GUIDELINES

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/18/petition-to-usda-hhs-on-sustainable-dietary-guidelines/ ]

ISSUES WITH CANDY LABELING

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/17/issues-with-candy-labeling/ ]

WHERE CAN YOU BUY VEGAN EASTER CANDY ONLINE?

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/17/where-can-you-buy-vegan-easter-candy-online/ ]

VEGAN PASSOVER RECIPES

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/12/vegan-passover-recipes-3/ ]

2015 VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/11/2015-vegetarian-resource-group-college-scholarships/ ]

VRG VEGAN RESTAURANT GATHERING IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/11/vrg-vegan-restaurant-gathering-in-nashville-tennessee/ ]

ENTER THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP 2015 VIDEO CONTEST!

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/10/enter-the-vegetarian-resource-group-2015-video-contest/ ]

VEGAN JACKFRUIT RECIPES

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/09/vegan-jackfruit-recipes/ ]

THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP ANNUAL ESSAY CONTEST FOR KIDS

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/06/the-vegetarian-resource-group-annual-essay-contest-for-kids/ ]

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A VEG-FRIENDLY CAREER? CONSIDER BECOMING A VEGAN FOOD

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2015/03/04/are-you-looking-for-a-veg-friendly-career-consider-becoming-a-vegan-food-technologist/ ]

15) ABOUT VRG

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 The Vegetarian Resource Group national email newsletter, please visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/ ]

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: [ http://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?Action=GC&CID=1565/ ]

Copyright The Vegetarian Resource Group 2015 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 do not wish to receive the Local Email Newsletter, visit
[ http://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-maryland_lists.vrg.org ]

Instructions for unsubscribing will appear at the bottom of the page.