VRG-News April 2007 -- The Vegetarian Resource Group

VRG-NEWS: The Vegetarian Resource Group Newsletter
Editors: Sonja Y. Helman & John L. Cunningham
Volume 11, Issue 2
April 2007

1) NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

Once again, we'd like to thank TheVegetarianSite.com for their recent generous donation. TheVegetarianSite.com [ http://www.thevegetariansite.com ] offers non-leather shoes and clothing, cruelty-free personal care products, books, videos, food, and more.

VRG now has exciting new, full-color brochures available: "Vegan In A Nutshell" and "Vegetarian Nutrition for Teenagers." In the past few months some of the places VRG has sent vegan literature are to Northern Vegans in MI, Fort Worth Vegetarian Society in TX, Oklahomans for Animal Rights in OK, a doctor's office in New Berlin, WI, and the student chapter of the Animal Legal Defense Fund at Ventura College of Law in CA. If you're interested in obtaining literature for an event or booth that you're having, call (410) 366-8343, or email [email protected]. There is no charge for the brochures, but we do appreciate donations to help offset the postage and printing costs.

Be sure to visit our VRG outreach booth if you're going to attend any of the following conferences:

VRG is looking for more volunteers to help convert articles and other documents to HTML for use on our website. If you have some experience with this, or are interested in learning, send your resume to [email protected].

2) PARMA! VEGAN PARMESAN SAMPLES OFFERED

Is it possible to have parmesan that is not only vegan but delicious? With Parma!, the answer is YES! Parma!, being offered from Eat in the Raw, Inc., is completely natural. It's wheat-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and candida-free. Made in Southern Oregon using only raw organic walnuts, Red Star Nutritional Yeast, and Celtic sea salt, Parma! contains Omega 3's, B-12, and trace minerals. It's sugar-free and contains no artificial ingredients. Lastly, Parma! tastes great! Try Parma! on popcorn, salad, soup, and more. For more information go to [ http://www.eatintheraw.com/ ].

The first 100 people who respond within a week of the date of this newsletter will receive a FREE sample of Parma! Vegan Parmesan. To receive your sample, please email Shannon at [email protected]. Be sure to include your mailing address and let her know this is the VRG-NEWS sample offer. Bon Appetit!

3) CALL-A-DIETITIAN DAY

If you have general nutrition questions, Mark Rifkin, MS, RD, LDN, will be available from 2:30pm - 5:30pm EST on Friday, May 11. To reserve a 20-minute time slot, please email the VRG office at [email protected] or call (410) 366-8343.

Be advised that these sessions are not individualized nutritional counseling. Such advice should only be provided through direct in-person contact with a qualified health professional. There is no charge, but if you do commit, please call on time. Otherwise you are taking someone else's spot.

Mark Rifkin, a longtime VRG volunteer, is a Registered Dietitian and has a Master's Degree in Health Education. He has been presenting on food-related topics for more than seven years. Currently, he has a private practice in Baltimore, MD, that focuses on plant-based nutrition for prevention, as well as treatment, of various chronic diseases and conditions, including: diabetes, overweight/obesity, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, gout, women's health concerns, cancer, and early-stage kidney failure.

4) MORNINGSTAR FARMS UPDATE

Recently Regina Ragone, R.D., a public relations associate for Morningstar Farms, contacted us about an article that appeared in the Mar/Apr issue of VegNews magazine. In that article, The Vegetarian Resource Group was cited as the source of information based on a write-up we had done about some Morningstar Farms products in the October 2006 edition of our email newsletter.

The VRG reported what we were told by a customer service representative at Morningstar Farms when we called them. Ragone informed us that we had been misinformed. The change from a "100% Vegan" to a "100% Vegetarian" label on some Morningstar Farms products was "…not a decision by Marketing to make the labeling easier" as The VRG had been told. She apologized by stating that although Morningstar Farms "…work[s] hard to make sure that our customer service reps have all of the updated information…sometimes they get caught in a call and don't have all of the latest news." Ragone said that the labeling change "…was a mistake on the part of Morningstar Farms, and was corrected as soon as the error was discovered."

According to Ragone, currently seven of the eight vegan Morningstar Products display a "100% Vegan" logo on the back panel of the boxes or bags. The Grillers Vegan box shows a "100% Vegetarian" label now although it will be changed to a "100% Vegan" label and packaging will reflect this "in the next few months." Ragone told us that there still may be older packaging in circulation that does not follow current labeling practices. Consumers may check the ingredients statement to be sure if a product is vegan or not. All Morningstar Farms products are vegetarian.

Both Morningstar Farms logos are very similar with the same large "V" shaped like a plant in the word "vegetarian" or "vegan." Products that are not vegan will carry the vegetarian logo with the exception of the Veggie Dogs. It is a vegetarian product but there was no space on the packaging to put the logo.

5) Q&A - ARTHRITIS

VRG receives many inquiries about vegetarianism daily. The following is one we wanted to share:

Q: I have tennis elbow and was given a dietary supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin. Glucosamine is from shellfish: crab, shrimp, crayfish and chondroitin is derived from bovine sources. Do you know of any alternative "medication" without animal products?

A: According to the Arthritis Foundation [ http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/alttherapies/glucosamine.asp ], glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are substances found naturally in the body. Glucosamine is believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair. Chondroitin sulfate helps to give cartilage elasticity. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been shown to be as effective in some people as aspirin and ibuprofen for relieving knee pain due to osteoarthritis. They have been shown to be helpful in treating osteoathritis of several joints. Tennis elbow is due to degeneration of tendons that make the elbow work properly [ http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=132&topcategory=Arm ]. There is no evidence that glucosamine and chondroitin are an effective treatment for tendon problems. Perhaps your doctor can help you determine if you have elbow pain due to osteoarthritis or due to tendon degeneration.

In the event that you have osteoarthritis, here is some information about glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These products are sold as dietary supplements and as you discovered are derived from animal products. There are vegan glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. Vegan Essentials [ http://www.veganessentials.com/ ] carries vegan glucosamine or you can do Google searches for vegan glucosamine and for vegan chondroitin to see other companies selling these products. The Arthritis Foundation offers these suggestions: *Be sure to consult your doctor before deciding to try these supplements. *Make sure that osteoarthritis is the cause of your pain. *Do not stop or reduce your current prescribed medications without talking with your doctor. *You can try the supplements along with your current medications for six to eight weeks. If you don't experience any difference in your symptoms within a few months, you probably will not get any relief from using the supplements.

More studies need to be done to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the supplements. Be sure to contact your doctor if you notice any unusual or new symptoms while you are taking them. Children, women who are pregnant, and women who could become pregnant should not take these supplements. They have not been studied long enough to determine their effects on a child or on a developing fetus. Because glucosamine is an amino sugar, people with diabetes should check their blood sugar levels more frequently when taking this supplement. If you are taking chondroitin sulfate in addition to a blood-thinning medication or daily aspirin therapy, have your blood clotting time checked more often. This supplement is similar in structure to the blood-thinning drug heparin, and the combination may cause bleeding in some people.

PLEASE NOTE: This information is not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional.

If you have a question for us, please email [email protected]. We would be happy to help!

6) TAX-FREE IRA DISTRIBUTIONS TO QUALIFIED CHARITIES

An individual who has attained age 70 1/2 may make tax-free IRA distributions directly from his or her IRA to a charitable organization, such as The Vegetarian Resource Group. The rule limits the tax-free distributions to $100,000 per year, and it only applies to distributions made through December 31, 2007. The rule does not apply to SEP or SIMPLE IRA's. This is not personal legal or tax advice. Please speak to your accountant and/or tax lawyer for more information.

7) GOOD KARMA REVIEW

Good Karma lives up to its name. The company uses no milk or wheat, supports green farming, and has created a product that is not only certified USDA organic and trans fat free, but still tastes delicious. Good Karma makes rice-based non-dairy frozen dessert in an exciting variety of flavors, like Very Vanilla, Mudd Pie, Mint Chocolate Swirl, Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge, Coconut Mango, and Banana Fudge. One of their best flavors is the mouth-watering Carrot Cake, made with real carrot juice and actual pieces of cake in the ice cream to create an unbelievably creamy and authentic carrot cake flavor. For more information, please go to Good Karma's website [ http://www.goodkarmafoods.com/ ].

8) UPCOMING EVENTS AND CONFERENCES

Join Plowshare Peace Center on Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 1 p.m. to hear Bruce Friedrich of PETA talk about veganism. This event will be held at the Christ Lutheran Church in Roanoke, Virginia. There is no charge, however, donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. Plowshare Peace Center is a non-profit educational and resource group committed to a just world for all. For more information, please call Martha Pillow at (540) 384-5048.

On April 29, 2007 Farm Sanctuary will host their Animal Forum at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, PA. Find out how you can become an active participant in national efforts to protect farm animals from abuse at this one-day conference. Designed to raise awareness about current farm animal issues and campaigns, this unique event offers educational opportunities for activists of all experience levels.

For registration information call (607) 583-2011 ext. 221 to make a reservation or visit [ http://www.farmsanctuary.org ]. Cost is $50 per person. Students with valid college identification pay $35. All reservations are required by April 20. Registration fee includes a catered vegan lunch.

Renew your passion for compassion this spring at the Compassion Into Action Festival. Join Animal Acres on Saturday, May 12, 2007 from noon - 6 p.m. to learn what you can do to help end farmed animal suffering, shop and eat at compassionate vendors, and enjoy a day with rescued farmed animals at the sanctuary. This year's festival includes some of the foremost advocates for farmed animals: Bruce Friedrich, VP International Grassroots Campaigns for PETA; Karen Dawn, Founder of Dawnwatch; Paul Shapiro, Director of HSUS Factory Farming Campaigns; and Lorri Bauston, Founder of Animal Acres and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary.

Farm Sanctuary's annual Country Hoe Down will be held Saturday, May 12, 2007 at their California Shelter. This is an opportunity to learn about current farm animal issues, advocacy efforts, and campaigns. The conference includes hayrides and sanctuary time with the animals, presentations from noted animal protections speakers, and a barn dance. The fee is $30 per person which includes a vegan dinner. For more information, please link to [ http://www.farmsanctuary.org/visit/California_hoedown2007.htm ] or call (607) 583-2011 ext 221.

Farm Animal Reform Movement (FARM) will be holding their Animal Rights National Conference from July 19-23, 2007 at the Westin LAX Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The four-day program features nearly 100 presenters from more than 60 organizations representing all factions of the animal rights movement. They appear in eight Plenary Sessions, 50 Workshops, 30 Campaign Reports, and 7 Rap Sessions. Other program elements include Exhibits, Videos, Newcomer Orientation, Group Workouts, Strategy Meetings, Networking Receptions, Awards Banquet, and entertainment by animal rights musicians. For more details, please visit [ http://arconference.org/ ] or call (888) FARM-USA ((888) 327-6872).

The 33rd annual conference of Vegetarian Summerfest is set for July 25-29, 2007. It will be at the Conference Center at Pitt-Johnstown on the University of Pittsburgh campus in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. You won't want to miss the educational sessions, vegan meals, and exciting speakers. For more information, please go to their website [ http://www.vegetariansummerfest.org/ ] or call (518) 568-7970.

The third annual Taking Action for Animals conference will be held July 28-30 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. Sponsored by leading animal protection organizations, this event includes training workshops, exhibitors, social events, and keynote sessions. This year's conference, among other topics and training sessions, will have a special focus on the theme of taking action for farm animals. To find out more, visit their website [ http://www.takingactionforanimals.com/ ].

9) VRG DEAL-OF-THE-MONTH!

While supplies last, we are offering our Vegan Microwave Cookbook [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/veganmicro.htm ] by Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD for the low price of $8 (U.S.)! Normally this would cost $17 plus shipping, but this price includes media rate shipping. Please note that covers are slightly scuffed.

To order, visit [ https://www.vrg.org/secure/order.htm ] or call (410) 366-8343 M-F 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST. If ordering online, please type 'VRG-NEWS offer - April' in the 'Additional Notes' section. You can also mail a check made payable to The Vegetarian Resource Group to VRG, PO Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.

10) RECIPE - CHOCOLATE DREAM

1/4 cup melted vegan margarine 1 cup vegan graham cracker crumbs 2 Tablespoons maple syrup 1 1/4 cups chocolate or carob chips 2 1/4 cups silken tofu 2 Tablespoons maple syrup

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium-sized bowl, mix margarine, crumbs, and 2 Tablespoons maple syrup. Press into a 9-inch pie tin and bake at 375 degrees for 5 minutes or until golden. Place pie crust in the refrigerator and allow to chill.

Melt chips in a medium-sized pot; stir for smooth consistency. Set aside when melted. In a blender, combine tofu and 2 Tablespoons maple syrup and blend until smooth. Add melted chips and blend until smooth. Pour into the pie crust. Refrigerate until firm, at least 45 minutes.

Total Calories Per Serving: 412 Total Fat as % of Daily Value: 31% Protein: 7gm Fat: 20 gm Carbohydrates: 52 gm Calcium: 71 mg Iron: 3 mg Sodium: 226 mg Dietary Fiber: 1 gm

11) GREEN PEOPLE AND OTHER VEGGIE NUGGETS

VeggieDate.org - Vegetarian Singles, over 16,000 personal ads, since 1999. Take out a profile and receive two weeks of full service. Everyone can always read their messages and respond to the sender without payment. Give it a try and tell a friend! [ http://www.veggiedate.org/ ]

GreenPeople.org - Eco-friendly business directory, since 1998. Enter a listing for your business or search over 8,000 eco-friendly company products and services. Find organic food, hemp products, solar powered systems, natural beauty care, home and garden supplies, holistic health and wellness remedies, pet products and much more... [ http://www.greenpeople.org/ ]

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is launching a speakers program to share the message that a plant-based (vegan) diet can prevent, treat, and sometimes reverse heart disease. They are looking for people who believe in this message to use their speech, handouts, and visual aids and to schedule talks at local service clubs (such as Rotary International) to present the information on PCRM's behalf.

This is a volunteer opportunity, but PCRM will send all the resources a speaker would need for free. The following link from their website thoroughly explains the program as well as how to apply: [ http://www.pcrm.org/about/careers/HeartHealthSpeakers.html ]

Many Jewish communities and synagogues are offering a program called Rekindle Shabbat, a home-based, family-centered, experiential Jewish learning and living program. Participating families are paired up and given food for several Friday night dinners with the expectation that families will become better acquainted and will celebrate the Jewish Sabbath together in their homes. Each program works with a local caterer to create menus. In Western Massachusetts, a vegan option is offered at every meal (at this point challah and dessert are not vegan). Vegan entrees include stuffed peppers and stuffed portobello mushrooms. Not every program offers these options but if enough people request them, perhaps the Western Massachusetts program can serve as a model. For more information about the Rekindle Shabbat program in Western Massachusetts, see [ http://www.jewishspringfield.org/content_display.html?ArticleID=60981 ].

Two vegans, Megan and Tim Meinberg, and their dog Mia are hiking the Appalachian Trail (all 2,175 miles of it!) to raise money for Project R & R. This organization works to promote the release and restitution of chimpanzees in research labs. Jane Goodall is on the board for the project. They are hoping their hike helps get the word out about animal rights as well as living a vegan lifestyle. To follow their progress, visit their website [ http://www.veganthruhikers.com/ ].

The Toronto Vegetarian Association is hosting a Tofu Haiku contest which they call a "celebration of the classical poetic form of haiku and the ancient culinary marvel known as tofu." Entries will be judged by some well-known members of North America's literary and vegetarian communities. Winning submissions will receive tofu-related clothing, publications, and food products. The best Tofu Haiku will be published on [ http://www.tofuhaiku.com/ ].

Deadline for entries is May 21, 2007. More details are available on [ http://www.tofuhaiku.com ] or call (416) 544-9800.

Congratulations to EVEN (Eugene Veg Education Network) on their 2 year anniversary! For more information about this very active group in Eugene, Oregon, check out their fabulous website! [ http://www.eugeneveg.org/ ]

12) DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT CORNER - VEHICLE DONATION

You may not be aware that The VRG participates in a Vehicle Donation Program. A free, convenient service for converting that extra car, truck, or RV into a tax deductible donation benefiting The Vegetarian Resource Group. Please click on the following link for further information [ http://www.v-dac.com/org/?id=521279034 ]. If you have additional questions please contact Sid Bravmann, Director of Development at [email protected] or call (410) 366-8343.

13) VRG TO HOST VEGAN DINNER DURING PHILADELPHIA ADA CONFERENCE

CHINESE VEGAN DINNER TO BE HELD
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2007, at 6:00 P.M.
AT CHARLES PLAZA RESTAURANT
PHILADELPHIA, PA CHINATOWN

CELEBRATE WORLD VEGETARIAN DAY
The Vegetarian Resource Group will hold a vegan dinner during the American Dietetic Association Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo. Dietitians, Members, and the public are invited. Come meet dietitians from the ADA Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group and VRG staff.

FRESH FRUIT SATAAN IN BIRDS NEST (Taro)
SIZZLING BEEF WITH BLACK BEAN SAUCE (Seitan)
GENERAL TAO'S CHICKEN (Soy)
DRY SAUTEED GREEN BEANS WITH VEGGIES IN SEASON
MIXED VEGETABLE LO MEIN
BROWN AND WHITE RICE

Cost is $22 for adults before September 1. Children are $10. Cost is $25 after September 1. Price includes tax and tip. Payment must be made in advance. Please reserve early as seating is limited. Refunds will be made only if we have a replacement for your seat. Menu subject to change.

Call (410) 366-8343 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time Monday to Friday; fax (410) 366-8804; email [email protected]; go to the donation button on [ http://www.vrg.org ] and write a note in the notes section; or send a check to VRG, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.

14) INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE

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 ]

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 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 us at [email protected]. If you have any suggestions, ideas, or corrections to VRG-NEWS, please direct them to [email protected]. Thanks!

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Contents of VRG-NEWS are copyright 2007 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.

VRG-NEWS: The Vegetarian Resource Group Newsletter Editors: Sonja Y. Helman & John L. Cunningham Volume 11, Issue 2 April 2007

CONTENTS