1) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

I visited my boyfriend in New Mexico this past week and we stopped at a local pizza chain called Wise Pies that just started offering Violife vegan cheese! It was pretty awesome to see that. I talked to somebody who worked there and he said it's been very popular and has been selling out. I was able to get a calzone. It was pretty cool! For information about other places to eat, see:

• [ http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php ]
• [ http://www.vrg.org/fastfoodinfo.php ]

Meet Our New Vounteer Coordinator

My name is Ginny Slothour-Hudnall, and I'm happy to introduce myself as VRG's new Volunteer Coordinator! I grew up in York, PA, relocated to Arkansas after college via Teach for America (an AmeriCorps program), and converted to vegetarianism—and Unitarian Universalism—after meeting my husband, Gene, in Little Rock, where he had been vegan for over a decade. We moved to Baltimore just a few months after getting married so that I could pursue an MBA at the University of Maryland. In our free time, we both enjoy volunteering at First Unitarian Church. If you're interested in contributing your time & talents to The Vegetarian Resource Group, please email me directly at [ [email protected] ]. You can also reach me at [email protected], or by calling 410-366-8343 between the hours of 9:30 & 2:30, Mon-Thurs. I look forward to getting to know you!

2) VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS

• VINTAE VEGAN WINE
• TRAVEL THE WORLD IN A STEW POT
• WEIGHT LOSS-VEGAN STYLE
• RENNET
• SOUTHERN VEGAN RECIPES
• PREGELATINIZED WHEAT STARCH
• LIPASE
• VEGAN YOGURT
• AND MORE

WEIGHT LOSS — VEGAN STYLE

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/01/04/weight-loss-vegan-style-2/ ]

ARE YOU LOOKING TO GET AWAY FOR SOME REST AND RELAXATION? IF SO, WE'VE COMPILED A LIST OF VEGGIE BED AND BREAKFAST ESTABLISHMENTS AROUND THE WORLD.

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/01/03/are-you-looking-to-get-away-for-some-rest-and-relaxation-if-so-weve-compiled-a-list-of-veggie-bed-and-breakfast-establishments-around-the-world/ ]

RENNET OR LIPASE IN BLACK DIAMOND CHEESE?

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2018/01/01/rennet-or-lipase-in-black-diamond-cheese/ ]

GELATIN: HINDUS WANT THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION TO CHANGE LABELING LAWS SO THAT THE LABELS INDICATE IF GELATIN CONTAINS BEEF OR PORK

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2017/12/29/gelatin-hindus-want-the-food-and-drug-administration-to-change-labeling-laws-so-that-labels-indicate-if-gelatin-contain-beef-or-pork/ ]

IS PREGELATINIZED STARCH VEGAN?

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2017/12/28/is-pregelatinized-starch-vegan/ ]

VEGANIZED TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN NEW YEAR'S FARE

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2017/12/15/veganized-traditional-southern-new-years-fare/ ]

SCIENTIFIC UPDATES ON VEGGIE DIETS FROM THE LATEST ISSUE OF VEGETARIAN JOURNAL

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2017/12/13/scientific-updates-on-veggie-diets-from-the-latest-issue-of-vegetarian-journal/ ]

PREGELATINIZED STARCH IS VEGAN; PRESENT IN MANY TYLENOL, EXCEDRIN, MOTRIN, & TARGET PAIN RELIEVERS

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2017/12/12/pregelatinized-starch-is-vegan-present-in-many-tylenol-excedrin-motrin-target-pain-relievers/ ]

VINTAE VEGAN WINE

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2017/12/11/vintae-vegan-wine/ ]

THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP'S GUIDE TO VEGAN YOGURT

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2017/12/08/the-vegetarian-resource-groups-guide-to-vegan-yogurt/ ]

TRAVEL THE WORLD IN A STEW POT

[ http://www.vrg.org/blog/2017/12/07/travel-the-world-in-a-stew-pot/ ]

3) COMPUTER JOB

VRG is looking for a part-time person about ten hours per week in Baltimore to help maintain website and keep computer software/hardware up to date and running smoothly. Familiarity with networking and software/hardware support in a PC environment helpful. Problem solver and enjoy troubleshooting computer issues. Experience in HTML and CSS (cascade style sheets).

Helpful skills:

• Experience in coding HTML and CSS
• fundamentals of structured Query language (SQL)
• fundamentals of TCP/IP networks
• basics of MS windows Workstation configuration

Desired skills:

• PHP and MySQL
• Javascript
• Perl scripting
• Wordpress

and added plus: Database design and administration

Responsibilities:

• Maintain website
• Maintenance such as maintaining backups
• Update email network
• Update database
• Work with volunteers.
• Send out email newsletters
• Update hardware as necessary

$15 per hour compensation.

Please send resume, and cover letter to Att. IT job at [email protected].

4) A WINNER OF THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP 2017 VIDEO CONTEST

Aimee Granger stated, “I am interested in vegetarianism for moral reasons, as I hope I've explained in my video.”

See: [ http://www.vrg.org/veg_videos.php#Granger ]

The deadline for the next video contest is July 15, 2018.
See [ http://www.vrg.org/videoscholarship.php ]

For information about VRG's College Scholarship Contest,
see [ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]

To support The Vegetarian Resource Group scholarships and internships,
donate at [ http://www.vrg.org/donate ]

5) $20,000 IN VEGETARIAN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS — FEBRUARY 20, 2018 DEADLINE

The Vegetarian Resource Group awards $20,000 in college scholarships to high school seniors who have promoted veganism/vegetarianism. Deadline is February 20th of each year.
For details, see: [ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]

To support additional scholarships, donate at [ http://www.vrg.org/donate ] Indicate purpose of donation in the comments.

If you would like to sponsor an ongoing scholarship, contact Charles at [email protected]

6) NEEDS BASED PAID INTERNSHIP IN BALTIMORE — ELEANOR MILTIMORE WOLFF SCHOLARSHIP

The Vegetarian Resource Group has one needs based paid internship ($3,500 stipend) in Baltimore this summer for eight weeks. To apply send a resume, writing sample, and cover letter addressing your need, vegetarian knowledge, past activism, short term and long term goals, and what you hope to learn from the internship.
Send to Att. Internship; [email protected]

Indicate if applying for the needs based internship. For more information,
see [ http://www.vrg.org/student/index.php ]

7) VEGANISM IS FOR LOVERS: RESTAURANT WEEK

Baltimore is an exciting and vibrant city full of unique neighborhoods and incredible diversity — and we in the restaurant business know first hand that nothing brings people together quite like good food. The mission of Baltimore Vegan Restaurant Week is to increase the awareness, benefits and accessibility of a plant-based diet through a fun, innovative and community-based experience across multiple neighborhoods.

The First Baltimore Vegan Restaurant Week took place in August of 2017 all across Baltimore City with over 40 participating restaurants to huge success — and you better believe we plan on bringing it back.

Vegan Restaurant Week: Veganism is for Lovers...the winter edition. From February 9th through 18th, we are challenging restaurants to demonstrate their love and compassion for promoting healthier diets, reducing animal cruelty and saving the environment, by offering tasty and creative vegan options on their menus. Some restaurants may even offer discounts and specials. Vegan Restaurant Week is for participating restaurants to show and express their true love and compassion for cooking the vegan way! It's cold outside. Let Vegan Restaurant Week bring you some warmth. Join the celebration!

See:

• [ https://www.facebook.com/events/380334125755647/ ]
• [ https://www.mdveganeats.com/ ]

8) VEGAN SECTION ADDED TO CAVA'S MENU

Cava Mezze serves a modern take on traditional Greek recipes in a comfortable, neighborhood setting. Baltimore's location is adding a separate vegan section on their menu on February 1, 2018. There is, however, honey Aleppo in the beet dish.

The vegan menu can be viewed here: [ http://www.cavamezze.com/menu-vegan ]

9) MARYLAND AREA EVENTS

GERTRUDE'S

Gertrude's at the Baltimore Museum of Art has this $35 Prix Fixe Dinner Menu Sunday, January 14 through Sunday, January 21. Vegan options include

• Curried Roasted Root Vegetables
• One Straw Farm Bloody Mary Veggie Jambalaya with Vegan Sausage
  and served over toasted local farro
• and Mulled Pear Sorbet

VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN MEET-UPS IN BALTIMORE, MD

The Vegetarian Meet-up happens at

Mango Grove
8865 Stanford Boulevard
Columbia, MD 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 21208

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/ ]

DINEKIND

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

Maryland and DC veg events can be found at [ https://www.mustloveveg.com/events/ ]

WHOLE FOOD FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH - BALTIMORE SUPPORT GROUP

This group meets on the second Friday of each month at 6:30PM 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. Please bring a vegan dish to share if you can.

Please RSVP and visit at
[ https://www.meetup.com/Whole-Food-for-Optimal-Health-Potluck/ ]

If you have any questions, contact: Margie (mobile: 410-375-5803, [email protected])

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

BALTIMORE VEGAN DRINKS MONTHLY MEETUP

Baltimore Vegan Drinks is a happy hour for vegans, vegetarians, and the veg-curious. There's no cover charge, and there are 100%-vegan snacks, entrees and more. And of course there are awesome vegan drinks! Our group is part of a national Vegan Drinks outfit with events in dozens of cities. Vegan Drinks' mission is to bring together diverse people to build new friendships and promote the sharing of resources.

Join us at

Charm Kitty Cafe!
3300 Clipper Mill Rd.
Baltimore, MD 21211

The event will be held on January 23, 2018 from 6:30PM to 9:30PM. For more information about Vegan Drinks, visit:

• [ https://www.facebook.com/BaltimoreVeganDrinks ]
• [ http://baltimorevegans.com/ ]

DIRECT ACTION EVERYWHERE

Direct Action Everywhere is an international network of activists who engage in its namesake to disrupt speciesism in places where its normalcy is celebrated, such as restaurants & grocery stores, and occasionally festivals or other relevant events. Open rescues are regularly performed, so we can relay stories of rescue and investigation with the public as well as call for animal liberation for all. Fundamentally, as a local chapter, we serve to get the issue of animal rights on the table in our area through creative protest.

This month, on January 28th, 2018 from 12PM to 3PM, there will be a vegan lunch where you can get to know one another, learn more about DxE, and plan some logistics for the coming year. Then you can go to a place that normalizes violence towards animals to speak out on their behalf in a creative way according to the model action plan. This event will take place at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, located at 30 W North Ave., Baltimore, MD 21201.
For more information, visit: [ https://www.facebook.com/DxEBaltimore/ ]

MONTHLY COOKING CLASSES

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
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 ]
Upcoming class: February 11, 2018 for Comfort Foods.

10) VISIT VRG AT THESE OUTREACH BOOTHS

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Washington DC
October 21-23, 2018

Vegetarian Resource Group Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck

Baltimore MD
Sunday, November 18, 2018

North Florida VegFest

Tallahassee, FL
Saturday, March 17, 2018
(VRG will not have a booth, but is sending materials.)

11) VRG WISHLIST

As a non-profit, we can only take on new projects when we are able to get support from donors. Right now, we are seeking support for the following:

• Volunteers to help with reading scholarship applications (needed for Feb-Apr). Contact Ginny at [email protected].
• Reprinting I Love Animals and Broccoli Coloring Book ($25 to send coloring books for two classes) ($2,000 for reprinting)
• Vegetarian Resource Group Outreach Booth at American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, attended by 10,000 health professionals. We're able to educate and put materials into the hands of 1,000 registered dietitians and other health professionals. ($50 to give Vegetarian Journal and other resources to ten dietitians) ($4,000 to have a booth)
• Monthly recurring donations help us anticipate our resources for the year! Please consider becoming one of our regular donors here: [ http://www.vrg.org/donate ]

Thank you for the donors who enabled us to reprint My Vegan Food Plate! These have been used by health professionals, teachers, low income feeding programs, health fairs, and in school textbooks. An activist just picked up a copy in Ft. Lauderdale and requested 500 PLUS for a festival in Tallahassee, Florida. We will now be able to send these.
See: [ http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/MyVeganPlate.pdf ]

You can make a one time, quarterly, monthly, or an annual donation. To make a donation, call (410)-366-8343 M-F 9:00-5:00, mail a check to

The Vegetarian Resource Group
PO Box 1463
Baltimore MD, 21203

or visit [ http://www.vrg.org/donate ] . Please be sure to let us know which project you would like your contribution to fund. Thank you for supporting The Vegetarian Resource Group!

12) THANK YOU'S

Thank you to the following volunteers who helped with research, editing, HTML, clerical work, layout, restaurant research, nutrition advice, computer assistance, and other tasks.

• Matt Baker, RN
• Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD
• Whitney Blomquist
• Shannon Borgoyn
• Casey Brown
• Catherine Conway, MS RD
• Jim Dunn
• Heather Francis
• Heather Gorn
• Laneece Hurd
• Teagan Kim
• Reed Mangels, Ph.D, RD
• Laura McGuiness
• David Milner
• Mark Rifkin, MS RD
• Brad Scott
• Gene Slothour-Hudnall
• Robin Tate

13) SENIOR EDITOR JOB

Vegan group seeks Senior Editor in Baltimore to edit and lay out 36-page Vegetarian Journal four times a year, plus periodic miscellaneous tasks, such as designing brochures, t-shirts, decals, etc. Averages about five to eight hours per week. Proficient in InDesign. Send writing sample, design sample, resume, and cover letter addressing vegan knowledge, short and long term goals, and magazine editing and layout experience. Reply to editor job at [email protected] $14/hour.

14) THE WORLD VEGAN MAC 'N CHEESE CHAMPIONSHIP IS HAPPENING IN BALTIMORE

Baltimore's third-annual vegan mac 'n cheese competition is now the World Vegan Mac n' Cheese Championship! The original event of its kind will now feature not only local plant-based restaurants and previous winners, but also the winners of other spin-off mac 'n cheese competitions from abroad. Due to the scope and excitement of this event, it will now be held in the spacious Radisson Hotel International Ballroom, 101 W Fayette Street.

This event started with 1000 attendees in 2016 and by 2017 organizers were forced to cap registration at 2500 people. Because of the buzz already surrounding this year's event, the organizers of the World Vegan Mac 'n Cheese Championship expect to see attendance more than double in 2018.

“This competition has grown much faster than we ever could have imagined!” -Brenda Sanders, Founder, Thrive Baltimore

Don't miss the excitement, visit

[ http://www.WorldVeganMac.com ]

to register today! Pre-sale registration is available at a discount prior to the event and tickets will also be available at the door. A limited number of all-access VIP passes will be available for purchase as well. Family rates are available per request.###

Thrive Baltimore's mission is to provide education, resources, and support to anyone interested in adopting a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Calendar Listing:

World Vegan Mac 'n Cheese Championship
February 10, 2018, 12:00 - 5:00 PM
The Radisson Hotel International Ballroom
101 W Fayette St
Baltimore MD, 21201

Advanced tickets $15, $20 at Door, VIP $50, Family rates available per request

15) 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=521279034 ]

16) 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 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, Instagram, and Twitter!!

Facebook	[ http://www.facebook.com/thevegetarianresourcegroup/ ]
	[ https://www.facebook.com/groups/VRGparentsandkids/ ]
Instagram	[ https://www.instagram.com/vegetarianresourcegroup/ ]
Twitter	[ 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/donate/?cid=1565 ]

Copyright The Vegetarian Resource Group 2018 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. (You do not need a password).