1) VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS - AFRICAN VEGAN RECIPES, VEGANIC GARDENING IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD, VEGAN SHOES FOR BABIES AND YOUNG KIDS

• VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP RESEARCH AND NEWS
• AFRICAN VEGAN RECIPES
• VEGANIC GARDENING IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
• VEGAN SHOES FOR BABIES AND YOUNG KIDS
• VEGAN RECIPES FOR HIKING AND CAMPING
• VEGAN INDIAN RECIPES
• VEGAN FOODSERVICE IDEAS FOR RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES WHEN ONLY TWO OR THREE REQUESTS
• WHERE TO PURCHASE NON-LEATHER BELTS ONLINE WORLDWIDE
• WHAT'S GOING ON WITH DAILY VALUES ON FOOD LABELS?
• AND MORE...

TAKE IT OUTSIDE - RECIPES FOR HIKING AND CAMPING

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/06/03/take-it-outside-recipes-for-hiking-and-camping/ ]

TOFU CHORIZO

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/06/02/tofu-chorizo/ ]

GLUTEN-FREE ALMOND JAM CRINKLES

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/06/01/gluten-free-almond-jam-crinkles/ ]

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SOME VEGAN INDIAN RECIPES?

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/28/are-you-looking-for-some-vegan-indian-recipes/ ]

VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP INTERN LUCIA RIVERA ON RADIO SHOW

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/27/vegetarian-resource-group-intern-lucia-rivera-on-radio-show/ ]

EATING VEGAN IN ABU DHABI

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/27/eating-vegan-in-abu-dhabi/ ]

DONATING STOCK TO THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/26/donating-stock-to-the-vegetarian-resource-group/ ]

THERE'S MORE TO A GOOD SALAD THAN LETTUCE

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/26/theres-more-to-a-good-salad-than-lettuce/ ]

DELICIOUS VEGAN RECIPES FEATURING EGGPLANT

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/25/delicious-vegan-recipes-featuring-eggplant/ ]

VEGAN DISHES YOU CAN PREPARE ON YOUR GRILL

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/22/vegan-dishes-you-can-prepare-on-your-grill/ ]

INEXPENSIVE DISHES YOU CAN PREPARE AT HOME

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/21/inexpensive-dishes-you-can-prepare-at-home/ ]

VEGAN SHOES FOR BABIES AND YOUNG KIDS

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/20/vegan-shoes-for-babies-and-young-kids/ ]

VEGAN ASIAN RECIPES

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/20/vegan-asian-recipes/ ]

ROSEMARY-LEMON SHORTBREAD

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/19/rosemary-lemon-shortbread/ ]

AFRICAN VEGAN RECIPES

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/19/african-vegan-recipes/ ]

EAT YOUR GREENS!

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/18/eat-your-greens/ ]

SHARE THIS VEGAN DIETS IN A NUTSHELL POSTER

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/18/share-this-vegan-diets-in-a-nutshell-poster/ ]

HOW MANY CONSUMERS BUY PLANT-BASED MILK ALTERNATIVES?

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/15/how-many-consumers-buy-plant-based-milk-alternatives/ ]

WARMER WEATHER IS HERE; ENJOY SOME PICNIC RECIPE IDEAS

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/14/warmer-weather-is-here-enjoy-some-picnic-recipe-ideas/ ]

WATER FOOTPRINT OF A VEGAN VERSUS A MEAT BURRITO

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/14/water-footprint-of-a-vegan-versus-a-meat-burrito/ ]

DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN CONDIMENTS AT HOME?

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/13/did-you-know-that-you-can-make-your-own-condiments-at-home/ ]

VEGANIC GARDENING IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/13/veganic-gardening-in-your-own-backyard/ ]

A SHORT TALE OF THE DELI BOY WHO BECAME VEGAN

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/12/a-short-tale-of-the-deli-boy-who-became-vegan/ ]

WHOLE GRAIN VEGAN QUICK BREADS

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/11/whole-grain-vegan-quick-breads/ ]

VEGAN FOODSERVICE IDEAS FOR RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES WHEN ONLY TWO OR THREE REQUESTS

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/11/vegan-foodservice-ideas-for-residential-facilities-when-only-two-or-three-requests/ ]

WHERE TO PURCHASE NON-LEATHER BELTS ONLINE WORLDWIDE

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/08/where-to-purchase-non-leather-belts-online-worldwide/ ]

WHAT'S GOING ON WITH DAILY VALUES ON FOOD LABELS?

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/07/whats-going-on-with-daily-values-on-food-labels/ ]

ABE'S GLUTEN-FREE MUFFINS

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/07/abes-gluten-free-muffins/ ]

VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, UTAH, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON DC, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN DOING DELIVERY AND/OR PICK-UP DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/06/vegan-restaurants-in-rhode-island-south-carolina-tennessee-texas-utah-virginia-washington-washington-dc-west-virginia-and-wisconsin-doing-delivery-and-or-pick-up-during-the-coronavirus-pandem/ ]

2) TEXARKANA STUDENT THOMAS WOODRUFF WINS $10,000.00 VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP SCHOLARSHIP

Congratulations to Thomas Woodruff, the winner of The Vegetarian Resource Group $10,000 College Scholarship. Thomas is quite the vegan entrepreneur. At 17, he started his own vegan popup, where he not only created the menu, but he shops, preps, and cooks the food. During the pandemic he converted to delivery. Thomas say, "The success of my business was feeding people in my city the first vegan option in town (where) most of the customers are meat-eaters." If Thomas represents the future of veganism, then it is in good hands indeed.

Article on Thomas continued on
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/15/texarkana-student-thomas-woodruff-wins-10000-vegetarian-resource-group-scholarship/ ]

To see the amazing dishes offered by Thomas's business, go here:
[ https://www.facebook.com/txkvegan/ ]

To see other scholarship winners, go to: [ https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]

We had 280 incredible applicants this year. We wish we could give awards to all of them. The deadline for applications for the 2021 High School Senior Awards is February 20, 2021. See [ https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ] for more information on applying.

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

3) BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS

Thanks to the following volunteers for all your hard work with The Vegetarian Resource Group, including posting to social media, writing blog posts, research, presentations, running booths, restaurant research, clerical work, writing HTML, contributing to our vegan parents group, doing media interviews, editing, photography, performing nutrition analysis, helping with our newsletters, and more! To volunteer at VRG, please contact us at vrg.org To support The Vegetarian Resource Group's outreach, donate at [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ]

• Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD
• Whitney Blomquist
• Casey Brown, RD
• Anayeli Camacho
• Cathy Conway, MS, RD
• Elissa Free
• Reed Mangels, PhD, RD
• Julia Mathew
• Laura McGuiness, MLIS
• Rissa Miller
• David Milner
• Katie Nunemaker
• Lucia Rivera
• Marcia Schveibinz
• Brad Scott, MBA

4) BALTIMORE SUN COMMENTARY: "Potential Coronavirus-caused Supply Chain Shortages Could Lead to a Healthier Population, Planet"

"Potential Coronavirus-caused Supply Chain Shortages Could Lead to a Healthier Population, Planet"

Discussing Coronavirus related meat shortages The Baltimore Sun said in a commentary dated April 29, 2020, "The good news is that there's a silver lining to these circumstances and not just for the animal rights crowd. Americans eat too much meat"..."overall, the U.S. is among the world leaders in consuming meat and there's a health and environmental price to be paid for that."... "Heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, strokes, the list of maladies associated with meat consumption is long and well-established." They conclude that any decrease in production and processing, as well as increases in price, may lead to less meat consumption - and a healthier America.

See the article here:
[ https://www.baltimoresun.com/opinion/editorial/bs-ed-0429-meat-shortages-no-panic-20200428-ojk27hpexbg65nabimyoopcpti-story.html ]

5) GORDON RAMSAY VISITS LITTLE MARKET CAFÉ IN ELLICOTT CITY

TV personality Gordon Ramsay usually swoops in and out to rescue a restaurant in 24 hours. After all, that's why his show is called "24 Hours to Hell and Back." But for Ellicott City, Ramsay changed the rules. He came prepared to help reinvent the town after the two devastating floods of 2016 and 2018. Over the course of a week, Chef and his team renovated, revamped, and even relocated 3 small businesses including Little Market Café. Watch the trailer here:
[ https://www.littlemarketcafe.com/gordon-ramsay-shines-light-ellicott-city ]

Little Market café has house-made vegan creme cheese and bagels, with vegan bacon or sausage; vegan egg and cheese bagels; 'Tofurky: deli slices with vegan cheese and assorted toppings and combinations. Their vegan menu is here:
[ https://www.littlemarketcafe.com/menu/vegan ]

6) VEGAN FRIENDLY MOLINA PIZZA OPEN

Molina Pizza at R. House in Baltimore is now serving hand crafted, brick oven pizza featuring locally milled flours & artisanal ingredients. They serve a veggie supreme pizza with a vegan option of house cashew ricotta and a crunchy vegan pizza with vegan lemon basil pesto. Sounds delicious. Their web site states for contact-less takeout & delivery call 443-681-1907. When you arrive at the R. House parking lot on Remington Ave between 28th and 29th streets, the food will be placed in a storage rack in the entrance. For more information and to order click here: [ https://www.molinapizza.com/ ]

7) PLANT-POWERED MEAT MONTH, JULY 2020

Calling all restaurants, professional chefs, and food enthusiasts. In July BotaniCuisine is sponsoring "Plant-Powered Meat Month" in Baltimore, Annapolis, and Harford County. Events are planned showcasing plant-based/vegan meals that rival or best familiar animal-based alternatives. Vegans, vegetarians and people that just like good food can enjoy plant-based versions of their current favorites as well as explore the very best custom-crafted foods our local eateries have to offer. The uninitiated will discover what vegans and vegetarians already know: that plant-based/vegan foods are much more than just imitations of animal meats - they are equally-satisfying healthy wonders! For Restauranteurs and Professional Chefs, you will be able to reach a larger audience by participating in the event and at the same time save hundreds of dollars in advertising costs. Find out more here: [ https://plantpoweredmeatmonth.com/ ]

8) WHAT'S GOING ON WITH DAILY VALUES ON FOOD LABELS?

By Reed Mangels, PhD, RD

The Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods is being updated. New labels are being phased in. As of January 1, 2020, large manufacturers - those with $10 million or more in annual sales - were required to switch to the new label by January 1, 2020. Smaller manufacturers have until January 1, 2021 to comply. This means that for the time being, you may see a mix of new and old versions of the labels: continued at [ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/07/whats-going-on-with-daily-values-on-food-labels/ ]

9) VEGETARIAN VIDEO SCHOLARSHIP

The Vegetarian Resource Group is once again this year holding a video contest. This is your chance to create and submit a video telling others about veganism. We will be awarding one $200.00 scholarship and two $100.00 awards. Some possible topics include food, nutrition, your feelings about veganism, water usage and veganism, veganism and animal rights, or other vegan topics that appeal to you.

Videos will be judged on, among other things, accuracy of the information provided and the judges' desire to share the video with others. Humor and feelings are appreciated. All videos should be positive, not be critical of anyone, and not include any footage of animal cruelty. You may submit a video you have already made.

Submission Deadline: July 15, 2020 To see the video contest rules, visit: [ http://www.vrg.org/videoscholarship.php ]

To see previous winning videos, visit: [ https://www.vrg.org/veg_videos.php ]

10) PEACE ADVOCACY NETWORK VEGAN PLEDGE PROGRAM

The PAN Vegan Pledge program guides people through 30 days of being vegan with the program's hands-on support. This support includes five weekly Zoom meetings consisting of cooking demonstrations, speakers addressing environmental, ethical, health, and practical issues, a personal mentor (experienced vegan), panels, and more, to make 30 days of being vegan that much easier. The program is entirely FREE and accessible to anyone with a computer or phone and access to the internet. More information here: [ https://www.peaceadvocacynetwork.org/ ]

If you're already vegan you can also sign up to mentor for someone who is taking the pledge. [ https://www.peaceadvocacynetwork.org/veganpledge/remote/ ]

11) THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP TESTIMONY: Food Standards; General Principles and Food Standards Modernization

The Vegetarian Resource Group sent the following testimony to the FDA.

We welcome the opportunity to comment on Food Standards: General Principles and Food Standards Modernization. We commend FDA for their commitment to protecting consumers against economic adulteration; maintaining the nutritional integrity of food; and providing flexibility to encourage manufacturers to produce more healthful foods. As a consumer organization, we also prioritize providing clear, helpful label information that consumers can use to make an informed choice and to be able to find the foods that they are looking for. We believe that FDA principles 2, 6, and 8 should be revised to better reflect the needs of the consumer. Read the entire testimony here: [ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/04/16/food-standards-general-principles-and-food-standards-modernization-the-vegetarian-resource-group-testimony/ ]

12) DONATING VEGETARIAN/VEGAN FOOD

A reader contacted us with the following query: Food centers are usually meat centric and vegetarians needing food are probably having a harder time. I live in Broward, FL. Where can I donate vegetarian food during these tough times?

Our contact in Florida said The Pantry of Broward said that they could earmark a donation to be spent only for vegan food over the next 6 months or so. [ https://www.thepantryofbroward.org/fiscal-responsibility/ ]

The best bet for coming close to getting a donation to be used only for vegan options at this time is Feeding South Florida. They support Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. [ https://feedingsouthflorida.org/ ]

Also, for someone so inclined, there are a lot of smaller food banks run by churches: [ https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/broward_county_food_banks.html ]

13) WISH LIST

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

• Join The VRG as a member to support our efforts in creating a vegan world! Annual membership is $25 and includes a subscription to the quarterly Vegetarian Journal. Join for two years at $35, and get two years of the Journal, plus a free copy of Simply Vegan cookbook by Debra Wasserman and Reed Mangels, PhD, RD. The book features more than 160 quick recipes like Sweet Orange Rice, Avocado Boats, Pasta in Spicy Tahini Sauce, Peach-Barbeque Tempeh, and Heavenly Chocolate Cupcakes. Additionally, Simply Vegan has an extensive nutrition section covering topics such as protein, calcium, iron, vitamin b12 and more! Join here: [ https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php ]


• Support VRG every time you shop on Amazon! Simply go to Amazon Smile and select The Vegetarian Resource Group as your chosen charity. Then every time you make a purchase a portion of your funds will be donated annually to VRG by Amazon. Support your dreams of vegan world when you shop online! [ https://smile.amazon.com/ref=smi_ext_ch_52-1279034_dl?_encoding=UTF8&ein=52-1279034&ref_=smi_chpf_redirect&ref_=smi_ext_ch_52-1279034_cl ]

14) VRG HIGHLIGHTS

On Thursday, May 14, 2020 VRG nutrition advisor Reed Mangels, PhD, RD, LDN, FADA presented a virtual presentation on vegan kids at the virtual Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics annual meeting. A big thank you to Reed for fitting this meeting in with her busy schedule.

Vegetarian Resource Group high school intern Lucia Rivera was interviewed on Express Yourself Teen Radio about vegetarianism. Lucia spoke about being a vegetarian Latina, the health and environmental benefits of vegetarianism, and the importance of promoting kindness by our deeds, not just our words. You can listen at [ https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/123457/vegetarian-lifestyle ] at about minute 10:40.

More information about Lucia is at [ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/01/13/vegetarian-resource-group-long-distance-internship-write-up/ ]

For information about VRG internships, visit [ https://www.vrg.org/student/index.php ]

Our Volunteer Coordinator Emilio Gironda, who was a New York Attorney for 35 years, recently completed an article on prisoners' rights to vegan meals while incarcerated. Look for it on our Blog/Facebook page in June and VRG Journal sometime next year.

Through the donation of a VRG supporter, The VRG awarded three scholarships totaling $20,000.00. See more information here: [ https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]

We also sent in testimony to the FDA related to food labeling. See the entire testimony here: [ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/04/16/food-standards-general-principles-and-food-standards-modernization-the-vegetarian-resource-group-testimony/ ]

Our Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD provided ideas and guidance for Vegan foodserice providers when there are only one or two requests for vegan food. See the entire article here: [ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/11/vegan-foodservice-ideas-for-residential-facilities-when-only-two-or-three-requests/ ]

To donate to the Vegetarian Resource Group go here: [ https://www.givedirect.org/donate/?cid=1565 ]

15) SPECIAL COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN GIVING PERIOD: open until June 30, 2020

OPM announced a special Combined Federal Campaign giving period. The Office of Personnel Management has reopened its annual federal giving program in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In an announcement dated April 22, acting OPM Director Michael Rigas said that the web portal for donating via a special Combined Federal Campaign would be open until June 30, 2020, to allow federal employees to donate to nonprofits.

According to the announcement, gifts from federal employees will go entirely to the nonprofit and won't be subject to distribution fees. The announcement also said that employees who didn't pledge through payroll deductions last fall can make a payroll-funded donation through CFC. Existing donors who pledged through payroll deductions can make additional donations electronically.

16) BEQUESTS

The VRG depends on the generous contributions of our members and supporters to continue our educational projects. Though the world may not become vegan in our lifetime, we realize we are planning and working for future generations. Your will and life insurance policies enable you to protect your family, and also to provide a way to give long-lasting support to causes in which you believe. Naming The Vegetarian Resource Group in your will or life insurance policy will enable us to increase our work towards a vegan world.

One suggested form of bequest is: I give and bequeath to The Vegetarian Resource Group, Baltimore, Maryland, the sum of _____ dollars (or if stock, property, or insurance policy, please describe).

To be sure your wishes are carried out, be sure to speak with your attorney specifically about writing the correct information into your will.

17) VRG BOOTHS & EVENTS

Come visit us at these VRG booths! At this time these events are still scheduled - but remember to check on the event web sites for the latest information.

If you're interested in helping us with a booth, please contact us at [email protected]

18) UPCOMING EVENTS

Currently no VRG Booth at these events. At this time these events are still scheduled - but remember to check on the event web sites for the latest information.

If you're interested in helping us with a booth, please contact us at [email protected]

19) MARYLAND AREA EVENTS

Check websites to see if events are happening. Still many pandemic restrictions that can change weekly.

20) FOLLOW VRG'S SOCIAL MEDIA!

You can keep up with us on ~

• Facebook: TheVegetarianResourceGroup
• Instagram: @vegetarianresourcegroup
• Twitter: @VegResourceGrp