1) WHY DO PEOPLE EAT VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN MEALS WHEN EATING OUT? THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP ASKS IN A 2016 NATIONAL POLL CONDUCTED BY HARRIS POLL

The Vegetarian Resource Group Asks in a 2016 National Poll Conducted by Harris Poll

The Vegetarian Resource Group commissioned Harris Poll to conduct a nationally representative online poll of 2,015 adults aged 18 and over. First We asked: Which of the following, if any, best describes your eating behavior?

• I never eat meat, fish, seafood, poultry, dairy, or eggs.
• I never eat meat, fish, seafood, or poultry.
• I never eat meat, fish, seafood, poultry, dairy, or eggs when eating out or getting takeout, but eat one or more of these foods at home.
• I never eat meat, fish, seafood, or poultry when eating out or getting takeout, but eat one or more of these foods at home.
• When eating out or getting takeout, I sometimes eat meals without meat, fish, poultry, dairy, or eggs.
• When eating out or getting takeout, I sometimes eat meals without meat, fish, or poultry.
• None of these.

We considered those that never eat meat, fish, seafood or poultry; plus those that never eat meat, fish, seafood, poultry, dairy, or eggs, as vegetarian. We classified that second category of vegetarians who don't eat dairy or eggs also as vegan.

Thirty seven percent of the population always or sometimes eats vegetarian meals when eating out. About three percent of the population is vegetarian (including vegans) all the time, and about five percent always eat vegetarian or vegan meals when eating out.

To read the rest of this article, visit:
[ http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/Polls/2016_eating_out.htm ]

To see previous VRG poll information, see:
[ http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/faq.htm#poll ]

2) RELAY FOODS GROCERY DELIVERY COUPON FOR VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, DC, NORTH CAROLINA

RelayFoods.com, an online grocery store with a mission to make eating quality, healthy, sustainable food simple, is offering an exclusive discount for you. Shop their extensive catalog of 1300+ vegan products and recipes, by going to www.relayfoods.com/deals/vrg15 to save $15 off your first $75+ order through 12/31/2016. Offering easy online ordering for local, organic, and everyday groceries, an integrated meal planning service, and convenient home delivery or free pick up.

Currently, Relay is a grocery delivery service for the

Charlottesville, VA
Richmond, VA
Washington DC
Baltimore, MD
Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC

areas only (including surrounding areas). We are not, as yet, equipped to ship food items, but by all means, let us know if you'd like your area to be the next place Relay expands to!

3) BOOTH AT SEED SCHOOL HEALTH FAIR IN BALTIMORE

The Vegetarian Resource Group had a booth at the Seed School health fair in Baltimore. Interestingly, two staff members were vegan, and others were interested in making changes in their diets for themselves, so were very happy to receive materials.

Eligibility Criteria

The SEED School of Maryland is a single-grade entry school, meaning it only accepts applications for rising 6th grade students who are Maryland residents. The student must be experiencing academic and environmental challenges that may prevent him/her from succeeding in high school and college. Additionally, the student must demonstrate at least two of the following characteristics:

• A record of suspensions, office referrals or chronic truancy.
• Failure to achieve proficiency on state assessments.
• He/she comes from a single- or no-parent household.
• Eligible for free- or reduced-price lunch.
• Eligible for public housing or housing assistance.
• He/she has an incarcerated family-member.

If you would like to help at VRG booths, please contact [email protected]

4) VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS

Richmond Vegetarian Festival

Richmond, VA - 7/9
[ https://www.veggiefest.org/ ]

Charlottesville VegFest

Charlottesville, VA - 9/24
[ http://www.cvillevegfest.org/ ]

Vegetarian Resource Group Vegan Thai Dinner

Boston, MA - 10/16
[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2010/07/19/vrgs-vegan-dinner-in-boston-11710/ ]

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Conference

Boston, MA - 10/16-10/18

Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck with The Vegetarian Resource Group

Baltimore, MD - SUNDAY, 11/20, 5 pm

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

5) 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, see:

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

JOIN EARTHSAVE FOR A SPECIAL SPEAKING EVENT

Join us this Saturday, June 25th, from 6 to 8 PM for a potluck in Towson. The accompanying lecture is entitled: “How to Thrive on a Plant Based Lifestyle.” Dr. David Meadow is a 60-year-old “kid” who never left the playground! He’s an expert skier, marathon runner, backpacker, and climber whose diet is totally plant based. Dr. Dave, who has been inspiring audiences all over North America, will educate and entertain us with a mix of comedy,m music, and true inspiration. Please RSVP and join us if you can!

POTLUCK DINNERS

Potluck dinners are held at

Towson Presbyterian Church
400 W. Chesapeake Ave
Towson, MD

Dinner guests may bring a vegan dish to serve 8, plus $5 donation (Earthsave members just $2). Fee is $15 for those who attend without bringing food ($12 for Earthsave members). Fee is $5 to attend educational presentation only, which usually go from about 7:00 until 8:00 Please RSVP by email to [email protected], or by calling 410-252-3043, and let us know if you’re bringing food. Come join us if you can!

DINEKIND

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

FORKS OVER KNIVES MONTHLY POTLUCKS

This group is for those interested in trying or for those already committed to a whole food, plant based diet with none or very little oil, salt, or refined sugar. There is a monthly potluck where we sample delicious and healthy dishes, share recipes, learn, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Please bring a dish to serve 8-10 along with a copy of your recipe or ingredients list with your name included so others can identify who made each dish. The dishes should serve 8-10 and must be entirely plant-based (vegan) as well as low or entirely void of refined sugar, salt, and oil. Contributions of $3/person are appreciated to cover the cost of fees, room rental, and supplies.

For more information, visit:
[ http://www.meetup.com/Columbia-MD-Forks-Over-Knives-Meetup/ ]

BALTIMORE NUTRITION AS MEDICINE POTLUCK AND SUPPORT GROUP

This group meets on the second Friday of each month at 6:30 PM at the

Park Heights Community Health Alliance
4151 Park Heights Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21215

They typically show one or more short educational videos, often a cooking demonstration of something delicious and easy. And, of course, support, discussion, advice, and recipes, beginners welcome. Organized by a plant-based Registered Dietician and also a plant-based Medical Doctor. Please bring a vegan dish to share if you can.

Please RSVP and visit at
[ http://www.meetup.com/Baltimore-Nutrition-As-Medicine-Potluck/ ]

If you have any questions, contact: [email protected] or 410-231-3323

MONTHLY COOKING CLASSES, FAIRFAX STATION, VA

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

EAT WELL STAY WELL 2016

Taking place on Sunday, September 18, 2016 from 9AM to 4 PM is a One Day Immersion for a healthy plant-based lifestyle. This event will take place at

Atholton Seventh-day Adventist Church
6520 Martin Rd.
Columbia, MD

Tickets are:

• $89 per person through June 1 through September 17, 2016
• $99 per person at the door (if seating available)

Presenters include: Neal Barnard, M.D., Michael Greger, M.D., Lani Muelrath, M.A., Dana Simpler, M.D., and Sharon McRae.

6) VRG VEGAN THAI DINNER IN BOSTON: MY THAI VEGAN CAFE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016, 6 PM

The Vegetarian Resource Group will host a vegan Thai dinner at My Thai Vegan Café in Boston on Sunday, October 16, 2016 during the annual meeting of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Meet VRG advisors Reed Mangels PhD RD, Catherine Conway MS RD, Debra Wasserman, and vegetarian dietitians from around the country. All are welcome.

MENU:

• Tom Kha (Thai Coconut Soup with tofu)
• Thai Mango Salad
• Nam Prik Kaeng Kari with tofu (Yellow Curry) with BROWN RICE
• Pad See Ew (Wide rice noodles with Chinese Broccoli with vegan gluten)
• Fruit cocktail for dessert or other fruit
• Tea and cold water

This will be a plated sit down dinner.

To reserve: Send $30 per person (includes tax and tip) (under eight is half price) with names to

The Vegetarian Resource Group
P.O. Box 1463
Baltimore, MD 21203
Call (410) 366-8343

Or pay at www.vrg.org/donate and write "Boston Dinner" in the Comments.

$35 after September 30th. Refunds after September 30th only if your seat can be replaced.

7) PRE-THANKSGIVING POTLUCK IN BALTIMORE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016

The Vegetarian Resource Group is hosting our 35th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Vegan Potluck Dinner on Sunday, November 20th 2016. The event is taking place at the

North Baltimore Mennonite Church
4615 Roland Avenue
Baltimore MD 21210

We will be showing appreciation for turkeys by not eating them! Come join us for a variety of festive, delicious vegan dishes! Please bring a vegan dish - free of meat, fish, fowl, milK, cheese, butter, eggs, honey, or any other animal bY-products - that serves 4 per adult attending.

Adult admission is $4 and children eat free!

We hope to see you there!

8) VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP INTERNSHIP BY HANA TAKEMOTO

By Hana Takemoto

My time at The Vegetarian Resource Group has been life-changing. Coming from a Japanese family in which little thought was given towards meat and fish-centric meals and where my views on animal rights and eating habits have been grudgingly permitted, an environment like VRG where people, including fellow interns, spend their days working towards educating and helping people maintain a vegan lifestyle has been incredibly refreshing, unique, and educational. Before coming to VRG, I had never met another vegan, and now, I have a long list of contacts to get in touch with after my internship if I am in need of any advice about veganism.

I’ve been a high school intern for VRG since the beginning of the school year, and as part of Atholton High School’s Gifted and Talented Intern/Mentor class, I’ve spent an average of four hours a week as an intern for VRG. Since starting, I’ve been lucky to try and review all sorts of different vegan foods, from seaweed and seitan to Ben & Jerry’s non-dairy ice cream. I’ve also added updates to VRG’s online restaurant guide and reviewed restaurants that I’ve visited, such as Blind Faith Cafe in Evanston, Illinois. Along the way, I’ve attended events including the Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore and the Benefit Day at Great Sage in Clarksville, Maryland, places that have offered me opportunities to meet other people interested in veganism and to explore new areas of interest. In addition, with the help of everyone at VRG, I’ve been working on investigating the benefits and feasibility of offering vegan food options on Atholton High School’s lunch menu, a project that has involved learning about Federal guidelines, interviewing food service staff, and distributing surveys. More recently, I’ve also had the opportunity to read essays that high school students submitted for VRG’s High School Senior Scholarship Contest, an inspiring and uplifting task that I hope I can continue for the years following the end of my internship here at VRG.

Since coming to this internship, I can always appreciate the efforts VRG co-directors Charles and Debra have taken to assign me projects that are engaging and suitable to my interests, an accommodation that is unique for internships. Sure, it would be easy to search “how to be vegan” into an internet search bar, but nothing can come close to spending a school year at an internship where I am surrounded by people who have given me a great experience by doing what they do best: helping through education. As my time at VRG is nearing a close, I can say with confidence that VRG has imparted to me lasting lessons about hard work, dedication, and passion in the name of veganism.

For information about internships, see [ http://www.vrg.org/student/index.php ]

To support VRG’s youth outreach and internships, join at
[ http://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php ]

Or donate at [ https://www.givedirect.org/donate/?cid=1565 ]

9) VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS — VEGAN SUMMER FOOTWEAR, TEEN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A VEG-FRIENDLY CAMP FOR YOUR CHILD? AND MORE...

CALABASH TEAHOUSE AND CAFE

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/06/02/calabash-teahouse-cafe/ ]

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A VEG-FRIENDLY CAMP FOR YOUR CHILD?

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/06/01/are-you-looking-for-a-veg-friendly-camp-for-your-child/ ]

PLAN A TRIP TO QUEBEC, CANADA AND DINE IN A VEGAN ESTABLISHMENT!

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/05/30/plan-a-trip-to-quebec-canada-and-dine-in-a-vegan-establishment/ ]

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND RECIPE IDEAS

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/05/27/memorial-day-weekend-recipe-ideas/ ]

VEGAN SUMMER FOOTWEAR

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/05/26/vegan-summer-footwear/ ]

TEEN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/05/24/teen-frequently-asked-questions/ ]

ARE YOU LOOKING TO STAY AT A VEG-FRIENDLY BED AND BREAKFAST THIS SUMMER?

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/05/20/are-you-looking-to-stay-at-a-veg-friendly-bed-and-breakfast-this-summer/ ]

PLAN A TRIP TO ONTARIO, CANADA AND DINE IN THESE VEGAN ESTABLISHMENTS!

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/05/19/plan-a-trip-to-ontario-canada-and-dine-in-these-vegan-establishments/ ]

ARE BATHROOM BREAKS ALLOWED FOR POULTRY WORKERS?

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/05/18/are-bathroom-breaks-allowed-for-poultry-workers/ ]

WHICH U.S. STATE DO YOU THINK HAS THE MOST NUMBER OF ALL VEGAN RESTAURANTS?

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/05/16/which-u-s-state-do-you-think-has-the-most-number-of-all-vegan-restaurants/ ]

PLAN A TRIP TO BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA AND DINE IN A VEGAN ESTABLISHMENT!

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/05/12/plan-a-trip-to-british-columbia-canada-and-dine-in-a-vegan-establishment/ ]

ORGANIC VEGAN MEALS DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME OR OFFICE BY MADELINE ST. JOHN

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2016/05/11/organic-vegan-meals-delivered-to-your-home-or-office-by-madeline-st-john/ ]

10) VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP AT GREEN FESTIVAL BY CASEY BROWN

By Casey Brown

The other weekend I had the opportunity to volunteer with The Vegetarian Resource Group at Green Festival in Washington, DC. Green Festival is a sustainability event that showcases innovative brands and organizations so they can promote their products and services.

It was a unique experience that enabled the other VRG staff and me to interact with a wide variety of people and educate them on vegan lifestyles. During the event we met with a man who has been vegetarian since the 1960s and many others who hadn’t yet made the transition, but were interested in learning more. People expressed their concerns about not knowing what kinds of meals to make, not knowing where to begin, or simply not understanding all of the benefits behind the lifestyle. We were able to share a variety of resources with them including pamphlets, recipe books, and restaurant guides, as well as our own personal experiences to help answer their questions. Over the weekend we handed out over 1,000 copies of our Vegetarian Journal, which includes recipes, cooking tips, and other nutrition information. Our “Vegetarianism in a Nutshell” pamphlet and “My Vegan Plate” really helped people to understand the basics of a vegan diet as well. Everyone was appreciative for these resources, and they were enthusiastic about trying some new vegetarian meals. We also met multiple people who were already vegan and were hoping to get some resources and recipe ideas to share with their friends to help inspire them to consider the lifestyle.

It was an exciting opportunity to encourage everyone to take their next steps, whether they were planning to incorporate more plant-based meals into their lifestyle, trying to eat healthier, or adopting a fully vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

Overall, it was a great experience and I was honored to be able to spend the weekend surrounded by so many motivated and inspiring people that were so passionate about their health and the environment

To volunteer at The Vegetarian Resource Group booths, please contact Brigette at [email protected]

To support The Vegetarian Resource Group outreach, please donate at
[ http://www.vrg.org/member/donate_buttons.php ]

Join at [ http://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php ]

11) THE NEXT TIME YOU VISIT HISTORIC ELLICOTT CITY IN MARYLAND, ENJOY VEGAN CUISINE

Little Market Café & Bakery

3731 Hamilton St.
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 539-0944

Cafe and Bakery

This quaint café offers several vegan options including bagels with vegan cream cheese, vegan bacon, or vegan sausage and several sandwiches including

West End SBLT

(Smart Bacon, greens, Just Mayo, etc.)

St. Johns Lane

(un chicken salad consisting of “Beyond Meat chicken”, dijon & “bee-free honee” dressing, apples, thyme)

Frederick Road

(peppered Tofurky, chipotle Just Mayo, banana peppers, Daiya pepper jack cheese)

They also serve Unchicken Salad and a variety of beverages.

Outdoor seating weather permitting. They sometimes have live music.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. Counter service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC

12) VISIT VEGETARIAN/VEGAN FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND

Charles County; Waldorf, Maryland:

Thai Palace (separate vegetarian section with 5 entrees)
Silver Diner (see: [ http://www.silverdiner.com/menu/healthierselections ] for a list of vegan options)
Thai Flavor (separate vegetarian section with 7 options)

St. Mary's County; California, Maryland:

Thai Inter (has separate veggie section with 4 options)
Bollywood Masala (several vegan options clearly indicated on menu)

Thanks to VRG volunteer Whitney Blomquist for sharing the information above.

13) 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 The 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 ]

14) PLEASE PARTICIPATE IN A SURVEY ABOUT YOUR ATTITUDES, FEELINGS, OPINIONS AND BEHAVIORS CONCERNING SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND ANIMAL-RELATED ISSUES.

Dear Respondent:

This is a survey about your attitudes, feelings, opinions, and behaviors concerning social, economic, environmental, and animal-related issues. Please read each question carefully and follow the instructions given. It should take about 5 – 15 minutes to complete the survey. For each Fully Completed survey (or all questions answered) the Vegetarian Resource Group will receive a donation of $1.00.

Click the link below to find study details; then click the ‘next’ button to indicate your willingness to participate and begin the survey.

Take the Survey!
[ http://www.compos-sui.com/KB_SurveyDir_1.html ]

If you have any questions about this survey, please contact:

Dr. Karin Braunsberger
Professor of Marketing
Kate Tiedemann College of Business
University of South Florida St. Petersburg
E-mail: [email protected]

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://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-news_lists.vrg.org ] .

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 2016 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 go to
[ http://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-maryland_lists.vrg.org ] .

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. See Unsubscribe or edit options.