VRG-NEWS: The Vegetarian Resource Group Newsletter
Editor: John L. Cunningham
Volume 8, Issue 3
May 2004

CONTENTS

1. Notes from the Editor
2. New GUIDE TO FAST FOOD Now Available
3. Vitamin D in Orange Juice
4. Vegan Menu for People with Diabetes
5. 2003 Vegetarian Journal Issue 4 Online
6. RECIPE: Coriander Kale with Slivered Carrots
7. Rosenberg Award Applications Due
8. Host Families Needed for Vegetarian Exchange Students
9. Veggiedate.org: 2 Week Free Trial for VRG-NEWS Subscribers
10. Upcoming Events and Conferences
11. Job Opportunities and Internships Available
12. About The Vegetarian Resource Group
13. About VRG-NEWS

1) Notes from the Editor

The recent fascination with the term "flexitarian," promoted by the American Dialect Society, has had our phones ringing off-the-hook with reporters who want to know about this "new trend." As far as we can tell, there's nothing new about it. Health conscious people have been reducing their consumption of meat for a long time. We explored this phenomenon recently in our article The Market for Vegetarian Foods. That article has been has been very helpful in the effort to convince restaurants and food companies to provide more vegetarian options. As these options become more available, we believe that we will continue to see more "flexi"s become "vege"s.

This month, Debra Wasserman was interviewed by Animal Voices, an animal-rights radio program on CIUT FM in Toronto. The Natural Foods Merchandiser, the major trade industry magazine, selected us as one of 25 influential pioneers, along with the founders of Ben and Jerry's, Amy's, White Wave, Celestial Seasonings, and more. They stated, "As we celebrate the inroads natural and organic food has made into consumer consciousness during the last 25 years, we often forget the pioneers who made it possible--the men and women who established sourcing and distribution where there was none, who educated customers when the concepts were strange and new, and who persisted in the face of adversity. This month the Natural Foods Merchandiser profiles 25 people who have been influential in the natural foods industry." See their website for the full article.

The VRG will be exhibiting at both the Book Expo America and the Printer's Row Book Fair in Chicago. Charles Stahler, Debra Wasserman, and Carole and Barbara Hamlin will be staffing the Expo booth (#SP4675), while Lisa Martin will be staffing the Printer's Row booth on June 5-6. If you will be attending either of these events, stop by and say hello.

All of the plans have been made for the VRG Vegan Indian Dinner which will correspond with the American Dietetic Association Expo in Anaheim, CA. If you are going to be in southern California on October 4, consider joining us at the Gandhi Palace for what will be a fun and delicious event! For details, see the Upcoming Events and Conferences section below.

2) New GUIDE TO FAST FOOD Now Available

If you don't eat meat, what can you eat while on the road? The Vegetarian Resource Group has answered this question with a 24-page Guide To Vegan And Vegetarian Options In Fast Food And Quick Service Chains. The Guide To Fast Food is available for $6. To learn more about the guide go to http://www.vrg.org/catalog/ff.htm. Order now at http://www.vrg.org/catalog/order.htm.

If you would like to order over the phone with a Visa or MasterCard, call us at (410) 366-8343 M-F 9 am to 5 pm EST. You can also mail a check to The Vegetarian Resource Group, PO Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203. Please e-mail us at [email protected] if you have any questions. The cost of shipping for international orders varies, so please contact us at [email protected] if you are outside the U.S.

3) Vitamin D in Orange Juice

Several VRG members have contacted us asking about the vitamin D which is being added to some brands of orange juice. We contacted Tropicana and Florida's Natural Growers. Tropicana said, "The form of vitamin D added to Tropicana products is vitamin D3. It is a synthetic powder and is the same form that is added to milk. Our source of vitamin D is not derived from an animal .... The form we use of vitamin D3 is cholecalciferol. It is made synthetically from 7-dehydocholesterol which is also made synthetically. This does not come from an animal source." We were unable to obtain more information about the starting material of their 7-dehydocholesterol.

Florida's Natural Growers said, "The vitamin D3 that we use in our calcium added orange juice is synthetically made. However, the starting material used to produce this Vitamin D3 is Lanolin (a type of fat)." Lanolin is obtained from sheep's wool.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is needed for healthy bones. Food sources of vitamin D include breakfast cereals and soymilk and ricemilk that have been fortified with vitamin D. Vitamin D is also produced following sunlight exposure. At least 10 to 15 minutes of summer sun on hands and face (without sunscreen) two or three times a week is recommended for adults so that vitamin D production can occur. Sunscreen should be used at all other times.

If you cannot spend time outside routinely or if you live in the North in the winter and your diet does not include vitamin D sources regularly, a vitamin D supplement is needed. Current recommendations for vitamin D are 5 micrograms (200 IU) for children and for adults 19 through 50 years old, 10 micrograms (400 IU) for 51 through 70 year olds, and 15 micrograms (600 IU) for those 71 and older.

4) Vegan Menu for People with Diabetes

People with diabetes constitute about 6 percent of the U.S. population, and many more are at risk for this disease. Can someone with diabetes follow a vegan diet? Absolutely! Are there benefits to using a vegan diet? Definitely. A vegan diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber and phytochemicals, particularly when combined with exercise and weight loss if necessary, can help to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease.

In order to make it easier to follow a vegetarian diet, Chef Nancy Berkoff, RD, and The Vegetarian Resource Group have produced Vegan Menu for People with Diabetes. This valuable resource includes:

*Exchanges and their equivalents
*List of "free" foods
*Four week vegan meal plan
*Exchange listings for meat substitutes, soymilk, soy ice cream, and other vegan foods
*Menus which require less preparation time on working days than on weekends

Enjoy recipes such as: Asian Noodle Bowl, Better Than Beef Stew, and Creamy Carrot Soup.

Vegan Menu for People with Diabetes will be helpful to your friends, relatives, and clients. Or donate a copy to your local library, health center, or doctor's office.

We've just sent Vegan Menu for People with Diabetes to the printer. One copy of the 96-page book is $10. Order in advance, and we can send you five copies at 1/2 price, and we pay postage. ($10 for one; $25 for five books) To order, call (410) 366-8343, or mail a check or money order to:

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

5) 2003 Vegetarian Journal Issue 4 Online

Issue 4 of the 2003 Vegetarian Journal articles online includes:

Planned Giving
Roger Lowe explains how ordinary people can leave lasting legacies.

Vegan Weightlifting: What Does the Science Say?
Jack Norris, RD, prepares you for even the toughest competition.

Nutrition Hotline
Why trans fats are bad, where they can hide, and how you can avoid them.

Note from the Coordinators

Scientific Update
-High Protein Diets and Kidney Function
-Soy and Menopause
-Study of Vegans and Vegetarians in the UK

To read these articles go to: http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2003issue4/

Read excerpts from back issues online at: http://www.vrg.org/journal/

The Journal features recipes and informational articles, product and book reviews, news for vegetarian activists, and up-to-date information about vegetarian health and nutrition. If you are not currently a subscriber to the Vegetarian Journal, why not subscribe today?

Subscriptions to the Vegetarian Journal are $20/year in the U.S. (please inquire for subscription rates outside the U.S.). Accepted forms of payment, in U.S. funds, are Visa, MasterCard, checks drawn on U.S. banks, and postal money orders. When joining, please send us your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. If paying by credit card, please include the card number and expiration date.

If you join online at http://www.vrg.org/journal/subscribe.htm for $30 or more, you will receive a copy of the Vegan Handbook, a $20 value! (U.S. addresses only)

If you choose to join by mail, subscriptions should be directed to:

The Vegetarian Resource Group
P.O. Box 1463
Dept. IN
Baltimore, MD 21203
Phone: (410) 366-8343
Fax: (410) 366-8804
E-mail: [email protected]

6) RECIPE: Coriander Kale with Slivered Carrots

(The following recipe appears in Vegan Microwave Recipes by Chef Nancy Berkoff, RD)

Serves 4

Kale cooks very quickly in the microwave.

1 pound fresh kale (about 4 cups)
1/2 cup hot water (from tap)
1/2 cup peeled carrots cut matchstick-style
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried coriander
1 Tablespoon oil

Rinse and drain kale. Remove stems from each leaf. Stack several leaves on top each other and cut into thin strips, as if to make confetti. Place in 3-quart bowl or casserole, add water, and microwave uncovered in HIGH for 4 minutes or until kale is tender. Drain and place back into bowl. Add carrots, garlic, coriander, and oil. Toss well to combine. Microwave uncovered on HIGH for 1 minute, only to warm. Carrots will be crunchy when served.

Total Calories Per Serving: 75	Calcium: 103 mg
Total Fat as % of Daily Value: 6%	Iron: 1 mg
Protein: 3 gm	Sodium: 34 mg
Fat: 4 gm	Dietary Fiber: 2 gm
Carbohydrates: 9 gm

7) Rosenberg Award Applications Due

Each year, the Bill Rosenberg Award honors a young person under the age of 18,who has made a substantial contribution to ending abuse of animals raised for food. The Award was established by FARM in 1990 in memory of a young champion of farmed animals who passed away earlier that year. It consists of a plaque and a $300 cash prize.

Past winners of the Rosenberg Award are: Kathryn Blomgren, Mike Markarian, David Berman, Katy Reagan, Marc Freligh, Danny Seo, Ella Magers, Paul Shapiro, Chu Hui Cha, Patrick Kwan, Nathan Runkle, Erin Creegan, Janine Ireland, and Melissa Cavagnaro.

To be considered for the Bill Rosenberg Award, please submit a 1-2 page listing of your accomplishments to help stop farmed animal abuse. You may also send up to three pages of supporting materials, including letters from animal rights leaders or others familiar with your work.

Please e-mail your application by May 31 to [email protected]. For more information, contact Patrick Kwan at [email protected] or (212) 696-7911.

8) Host Families Needed for Vegetarian Exchange Students

Cultural Homestay International is currently seeking quality, loving host families to host an international student for the Fall 2004 semester or 2004-2011 academic school year. Their youth ambassadors are exceptional students with the desire to be totally immersed in the American culture and lifestyle. The students arrive in late August with their own spending money and medical insurance. They offer Host Families assistance throughout the program in the form of activities, on-going involvement, and guidance.

The Host Family offers to share their home and daily life with a student from another culture. Host Families consist of two people in a household willing to experience another culture. Do you have a son or daughter taking a foreign language? The students arrive with an excellent command of English and alive with hopeful anticipation of sharing their native language and culture with the Host Family. The International Students attend their local public high schools and participate in school, community, and family activities.

Would you enjoy traveling to another country to visit your student and family? We offer a Host Family discount on reciprocal homestay opportunities so your children may travel abroad. At the end of the program each June, Host Families are entered in a raffle for international airline tickets!

Please consider this exciting and wonderful opportunity to give your family this experience.

Visit their web site. International Students are available now! Please call today:

Mona Reeder Area Administrator SFO/N (800) 664-8037 [email protected]

9) Veggiedate.org: 2 Week Free Trial for VRG-NEWS Subscribers

VeggieDate.org has over 12,000 visible personal ads. Whether you are looking for friends to hang out with, a serious relationship, or casual dating, we have the largest membership. Try it FREE for 2 weeks!

Over 20 new folks are joining each day. View the testimonials.

Tell your friends about them!

Also by veggiedate: http://EcoRoommates.com - Find a veg*n roommate. Currently a free service.

10) Upcoming Events and Conferences

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NEW YORK, NY: FARM SANCTUARY GALA 2004

On May 22, join Gala Chair Mary Tyler Moore, Award Recipients Chrissie Hynde, U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and Mary Max, and Special Guests Grant Aleksander, Linda Blair, Emma Caulfield, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Mimi Kennedy, Peter Max, Dan Piraro, Ally Sheedy, and many more at the Gala for Farm Animals at The Plaza Hotel. Help raise funds and awareness, indulge in a 4-course gourmet vegan dinner, browse a farm animal-inspired auction and enjoy an exciting program of guest speakers and special performances. Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders will give a special performance of "I'll Stand by You."

Tickets are $300 per person-now available at at the Farm Sanctuary website or by calling (607) 583- 2225 ext. 221.

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WASHINGTON, DC: FIRST EVER RUN FOR THE ANIMALS

Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit refuge, is holding its first ever 5k Run for the Animals on May 23, 2004, at 8:30 a.m. In addition to the run, there will be a 1 Mile fun walk. Prizes are given to top age category finishers. Furthermore, the event is totally vegan and LOTS of food will be provided.

Please spread the word to your co-workers, your members, your friends!

Help animals and have fun by participating in the Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary 5K Run or 1 Mile Fun Walk on May 23rd. Visit them online for details.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email [email protected]

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VIENNA, VA: ANIMAL RIGHTS 2004

On July 8-12, 2004, Animal Rights 2004 program will feature 120 presenters from every faction of the Animal Rights movement. They will present at eight Plenary Sessions, 100 Workshops, 30 Campaign Reports, and 12 Rap Sessions. Other functions will include Exhibits, Videos, Newcomer Orientation, Welcome Reception, Evening Receptions, Awards Banquet, Planning Meetings, Group Workouts, Employment Clearinghouse, and a March on Washington. The speakers will include Carol Adams, Neal Barnard, Robert Cohen, Karen Davis, Alex Hershaft, Howard Lyman, Bill Mahr and over 100 more. VRG will have a booth, too. Stop by and say hello to Jeannie!

For more information, visit http://www.ar2004.org.

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JOHNSTOWN, PA: VEGETARIAN SUMMERFEST 2004

On July 21-25, 2004, the North American Vegetarian Society will host the 30th Vegetarian Summerfest 2004. Speakers will include: author Carol J. Adams, author Brenda Davis, Karin Davis, Freya Dinshah, Dr. Michal Gregor, Club Veg founder Amie Hamlin, Suzanne Havala Hobbs, "Mad Cowboy" Howard Lyman, and many more.

For more information, visit the Vegetarian Summerfest website or call (518) 568-7970.

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ANAHEIM, CA: VRG'S VEGAN INDIAN DINNER

On Monday, October 4, at 6:30 p.m., The Vegetarian Resource Group invites you to a vegan dinner during this year's American Dietetic Association Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo. Dietitians, local members, and the public are invited.

Buffet Menu: Vegetable Pakoras (vegetables in batter) * Vegetable Samosas (potatoes and peas in pastry) * Chana Masala (chickpeas) * Bhindi Masala (okra) * Vegeable Jalfrezi (fresh vegetables) * Alu Gobi (potatoes and califlower) * Tawa Vegetable (eggplant, cauliflower, okra) * Nan (Indian bread) * Rice * Mixed fruit * Tea, Coffee, Water

Location: Gandhi Palace, Ramada Plaza, 515 West katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA (One block from the Anaheim convention Center and Disneyland)

Cost: $23 for adults who register before September 1, 2004, and $25 before September 27. Children are $11 each. Prices include tax and tip.

Reservations must be made in advance. Refunds will be made only if we have a replacement for your seat. Call (410) 366-8343 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern time Monday to Friday; fax (410) 366-8804; e-mail [email protected]; or send a check to VRG, P.O. Bx 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.

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FLORIANOPOLIS, BRAZIL: 36TH WORLD VEGETARIAN CONGRESS

On November 8-14, 2004, the International Vegetarian Union and the Brazilian Vegetarian Society will host the 36th World Vegetarian Congress. Florianopolis will host lecturers, researchers, and supporters from all over the world. Attendees to the congress will be able to participate in:

* Conferences, workshops and seminars with speakers from all over the world. * Vegetarian nutrition and cooking classes. * Meat-centered dietary impact on human, animal, and environmental health. * Ethical, religious, and philosophical foundations of vegetarianism. * Living Design Open Market - Presentation by Ana Maria Branco * Cruelty-free products, clothing, accessories, and cosmetics Fair. * Cruelty Free Veg-fashion Show. * Vegetarian luau - beach feast with lots of fruits and music. * Verdurada - pro-animal music festival. * Shows and other entertainments. * Plenty of information, culture, and naturally mouth-watering 100% vegetarian (vegan) food. * Pre and Post Congress tours to marvelous places.

Everyone is invited: long-term vegetarians, beginners, sympathizers and those who wish to learn more about the subject. For more information, visit the IVU website.

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11) Job Opportunities and Internships Available

CLARKSVILLE, MD

Sage, a new vegetarian restaurant in Clarksville, Maryland, will offer a menu of "Green Global Cuisine," fresh juices and smoothies, organic wines and beers, organic coffees and teas, and healthy sodas. Though the restaurant doesn't open until June, the owners are seeking managers, chefs, and servers to begin in mid-May. If you are interested in working for an establishment that serves high quality food, aims to serve the community and shows a commitment to health and to the planet, call Jeff at (410) 707-4711.

INTERNSHIP: VRG

Responsibilities depend on background, major if in college, and interest of applicant. Tasks may include research, writing, and/or community outreach. Internships are helpful for students working toward journalism, English, and nutrition degrees. Business majors can obtain experience related to the business aspects of a non-profit organization. Activists can learn new skills and gain a broader knowledge, as well as share their expertise. Positions open throughout the year for all ages (including high school students living in Baltimore). Internships are unpaid. Send resume and cover letter to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203; [email protected].

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, 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.)

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
Donate: https://skyport.net/vrg/donate.htm

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.

ABOUT VRG-NEWS

VRG-NEWS is the monthly e-mail newsletter of The Vegetarian Resource Group. This is an announcement list, so subscriber messages are not accepted by the list. If you have a technical question about the list, please contact the list manager, Bobbi Pasternak, at [email protected]. If you have any suggestions, ideas, or corrections to VRG-NEWS, direct them to [email protected]. Thanks!

If you are a new subscriber, you might enjoy reading past issues of VRG News online at http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/index.htm.

If you wish to cancel your subscription to VRG-NEWS, send an e-mail message to [email protected] with the following message: SIGNOFF VRG-NEWS

If you wish to subscribe to VRG-NEWS, send an e-mail message to [email protected] with the following message: SUB VRG-NEWS {your first and last name}

Do not include the {} when you enter your name. The newsletter will be sent to the e-mail address from which you are subscribing.

Contents of VRG-NEWS are copyright 2004 by The Vegetarian Resource Group. The newsletter may be freely distributed in electronic or print form provided its contents are not altered and credit is given to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.

Thanks to volunteer Stephanie Schueler for converting this article to HTML.

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