VRG-News -- The Vegetarian Resource Group

VRG-NEWS: The Vegetarian Resource Group Newsletter
Editors: Sonja Y. Helman & John L. Cunningham
Volume 11, Issue 6
September 2007

1) NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

Veganism and Vegetarianism has been very popular in the media recently. In the past few weeks we have spoken with reporters from the New York Times and Newsweek about topics such as veg. restaurants and romantic habits. Our intern Katie's appearance on Good Morning America went well. For more information about vegetarian diets for children, see Feeding Vegan Kids [ http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/kids.htm ]. If you are looking for a way to exchange ideas with parents of vegetarian and vegan children, you might want to sign up for our parents list: [ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vrgparents/ ].

2) FAST FOOD AND QUICK SERVICE CHAINS UPDATE: MCDONALD'S

After asking McDonald's about specific ingredients in their menu items, we were told that the enzymes in its American and shredded Parmesan cheeses were animal-derived. McDonald's also stated that the L-cysteine in the Honey Wheat Roll, the Deluxe Warm Cinnamon Roll, and the Baked Apple Pie were also animal-derived, specifically from duck feathers. (The cinnamon roll may now be off the menu.)

In July 2007, the writer noticed for the first time "kosher gelatin" listed as an ingredient in the yogurt of the Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait served at McDonald's. I was told in late August 2007 that the gelatin was "from an animal source." I was also told by McDonald's that the natural flavors in the yogurt were animal-derived. The Ingredients Listing published by McDonald's on its website effective as of August 10, 2007, states that the natural flavors in the yogurt are derived from plant sources.

Please note that the following items at McDonald's may appear to be vegetarian, but are not.

Breakfast Foods Food Items That Appear to be Vegetarian But Are Not: Hash browns (natural beef flavor and dairy-derived natural flavors.); American cheese (animal rennet); Yogurt (gelatin; animal-derived natural flavors)

We often depend on company statements for product and ingredient information. 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.

3) ISSUE 1, 2007 VEGETARIAN JOURNAL ONLINE

Issue 1 of the 2007 VEGETARIAN JOURNAL is now available online in PDF form. Some of the articles in this issue include:

4) VRG 2007 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Congratulations to Nora Allen and Jason Levy! They are the winners of VRG's 2007 scholarship awards! Thanks to an anonymous donor, VRG was once again able to award two $5,000 scholarships for students who have actively promoted vegetarianism.

Nora Allen has had great success in getting more vegan choices in the grocery store and nursing home where she works. Her commitment to veganism will continue as she pursues a career as a registered dietitian. She says, "By becoming a dietitian, I hope to show how the vegan diet can be the solution for everyone." Nora resides in Connecticut.

Jason Levy founded the first animal rights group at his Illinois high school. In addition, through a petition he was able to convince his school cafeteria to offer veggie options. Jason works at the Long Grove Popcorn Shoppe where he has created vegan versions of the popcorn by using Earth Balance for the margarine and Road's End for the cheese popcorn. Jason is going to major in political science "so that I can some day have an active role in politics and work for a pro-vegetarian candidate or organization."

More detailed profiles of Nora and Jason will appear in the November issue of Vegetarian Journal. For information about our scholarships, please go to [ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]. To find out more about the popcorn, please visit [ http://www.longgrovepopcorn.com/ ] or call (847) 821-9101; make sure to let them know you want the vegan version if ordering.

5) PUBLIX SUPERMARKET: GREENWISE PROGRAM

Publix GreenWise program was recently in the mainstream news. Plans are on the table to open four natural/organic food stores in Florida. Two will be new stores and two will be conversions of existing Publix stores. These GreenWise stores will be between 36,000 and 39,000 square feet--suggesting that Publix intends to be a serious competitor to Whole Foods Market. According to a spokeswoman for Publix, "Publix GreenWise's whole focus will be health, organic, natural foods and prepared foods. . . . to include a gourmet hot bar with spicy pastas, soups and casseroles, and chilled bars offering fresh leafy greens, crisp vegetables and other salads".

GreenWise got started in early 2001--around the same time they introduced organics to their product mix. According to a Publix spokesman, customer response has been steady and Publix considers GreenWise to be an important part of their business. Their website notes that their standards for the program include "Organic/Natural/Earth Friendly". They do not specifically focus on vegan or vegetarian food. The spokesman noted that for the most part the "vegetarian customer is also a natural/organic customer". GreenWise does carry a line of frozen meatless entrees, but no effort has been made to concentrate on any diet specific line such as vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, low-salt or sugar-free. The spokesman explained that for now they are trying to expand GreenWise to "cover the basics." The meatless entrees available within the GreenWise program are: All American Burger, Soy Crumble, Sausage Patty, Sausage Link and Vegan Burger. Only the Vegan Burger is vegan.

A stroll through a GreenWise department in an existing store sends the same message as a stroll through any Whole Foods Market. Just because it's under the GreenWise or Whole Foods banner doesn't necessarily mean that it's good for you. Still, these type of stores do usually offer some foods which are very good for you and which are difficult to find elsewhere. Just be a smart, label reading shopper, and don't hesitate to communicate to Publix what they need to carry to meet your needs. So, this is certainly a positive development. Whole Foods Market currently operates 8 stores in Florida and has 7 more on the drawing board. Hopefully the competition from Publix GreenWise will help keep prices in check and, just as importantly, get more people interested in the concept of eating healthy.

6) VRG TO HOST VEGAN DINNER DURING PHILADELPHIA ADA CONFERENCE

CHINESE VEGAN DINNER TO BE HELD
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2007, at 6:00 PM
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 $25 for adults and $10 for children. 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.

Payment must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 28. Call (410) 366-8343 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern; 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.

7) PLANT STEROLS

If you've read labels recently, you may have noticed that some brands of margarine, orange juice, and rice milk now contain something called "plant sterols." Plant sterols are the plant form of cholesterol. They are found in plants and help to keep people's blood cholesterol levels under control by reducing the amount of cholesterol that we absorb.

Plant sterols reduce cholesterol absorption from our intestines. Some of this cholesterol comes from our diet if we eat foods containing cholesterol. Even if you are a vegan and eat no cholesterol, you still have cholesterol in your intestines since your body still makes cholesterol. Some of this cholesterol shows up in your intestines in the form of intestinal secretions. So, if you don't reabsorb some of this cholesterol because you're eating plant sterols, your body will have less cholesterol to deal with.

You can get plant sterols from foods like corn oil and canola oil. Broccoli, almonds, pistachios, and wheat germ are other foods that contain generous amounts of plant sterols although other fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains also supply plant sterols. Most studies have found that a plant sterol intake of around 2000 milligrams daily is useful in controlling blood cholesterol levels although even increasing your usual intake of plant sterols by as little as 200 milligrams can help. The average American's intake of plant sterols is around 250 milligrams per day. Vegetarians do better, averaging almost twice as much, around 500 milligrams. The plant sterol intake of vegans has not been studied but is likely to be even higher.

It is a challenge to get more than 500-2011 milligrams of plant sterols daily from diet alone without using fortified foods. That's why some people, especially those with very high LDL cholesterol levels, who are already eating a heart healthy diet may opt to add more plant sterols from fortified foods to see if they can help lower blood cholesterol levels.

The plant sterols that are added to foods are plant-based; made from soy, corn, and other plants; and are generally suitable for vegetarians, although not all foods that they are added to are vegetarian.

Plant sterols are just one part of a heart healthy diet. Many other factors are also important like eating a diet low in saturated and trans- fat, free of cholesterol, and high in fiber. Even for people eating a vegan or near vegan diet, adding foods like soy products, nuts, and foods high in soluble fiber (like oats, barley, psyllium, eggplant, and okra) along with plant sterols can reduce blood levels of LDL cholesterol even more than just plant sterols would by themselves. In other words, plant sterols can be helpful but they don't take the place of eating sensibly and exercising.

8) VRG SPANISH ARTICLES

You may not know that VRG has Spanish versions of some of our most popular articles. They are listed below with their individual links or you can find them all grouped together here [ http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/information_in_Spanish.htm ].

Gu\EDa Alimenticia Vegetariana para los J\F3venes [ http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/jovenes.htm ] Una Dieta Vegetariana (Vegetarianism in a Nutshell) and Gu\EDa Alimenticia Vegetariana para los J\F3venes (Vegetarian Nutrition for Teenagers) are also offered in pamphlet form so if you need some to use for a tabling event or to distribute, just let us know. You can email us at [email protected] or call (410) 366-8343. Gracias!

9) BEAR'S DEN: VACATION IN THE VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS AND SUPPORT VRG

Just in time to catch the fall color in the Shenandoah Mountains, you can have a vacation and help support The VRG! The Bear's Den is a remodeled, furnished mountain top retreat on five acres of beautiful views that is within walking distance of Shenandoah National Park. Bruce, the proprietor and a vegetarian, would like to rent to like-minded people, and support advocacy groups in the process. If you mention VRG-NEWS, 5% of your rental fee will be donated to The VRG!

10) VEGGIE NUGGETS

If you're not fortunate enough to live in an area with an active veg group, you should start one. For information on starting a veg group, see our website: [ http://www.vrg.org/activist/startinggroup.htm ]. Of course, veg groups don't happen overnight, so it may be a little while before well-known members of the veg community come to speak to your fantastically successful group. So, while you're waiting for that to happen, you can become a "virtual" member of the Vegetarian Society of Hawaii by pointing your web browser to [ http://www.vsh.org/videos.htm ]. There you will find lectures by such veg luminaries as Dan Piraro, Dr. Michael Gregor, Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Milton Mills, Eric Marcus, Dr. John Westerdahl, Dr. Michael Klaper, Brenda Davis, RD, Howard Lyman, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Bruce Friedrich, Peter Singer, PhD, Catherine Conway, RD, and many more.

The Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) have created a documentary, A Sacred Duty. They hope that this will have a major impact in getting vegetarianism onto the Jewish and other agendas. For this reason, they are willing to send you 2 free copies of the DVD once it's released (possibly late October). They ask that you view the DVD, share it with others, and schedule showings at local schools, synagogues, and other community places. If interested, please send your name and mailing address to the JVNA Secretary/Treasurer John Diamond at [email protected]. For more information, please go here [ http://jewishveg.blogspot.com/#a091207a2 ].

11) UPCOMING EVENTS AND CONFERENCES

The 11th annual Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival is a free, outdoor celebration of a healthy and humane lifestyle. Organized by Voices for Animals, the festival brings together diverse individuals and organizations who want to make the planet a more healthy, sustainable, and compassionate place for all to inhabit and enjoy.

The festival includes delicious, free vegan food samples, restaurant booths, compassionate-living exhibitors, nonprofit and educational organizations, a dog and cat Adoption Fair, a Kids' Patch for children, and much more!

WHEN: Saturday, September 29, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. until 4 p.m.
WHERE: Lee Park Charlottesville, VA

Come celebrate the 15th Anniversary of PIGS Animal Sanctuary! You can tour the Sanctuary and meet the animals, participate in fun children's activities such as moonbounce and face-painting, and purchase PIGS merchandise. Admission is only $5 per family! For an additional cost, you can enjoy vegetarian and vegan snacks and make your own scarecrow. Please help 'Stuff the Truck' by bringing goodies for the animals. Some things that are needed include bleach, paper towels, fruit, veggies, cereal, dog/cat food, animal treats/toys, cat litter, yard rakes, etc.

PIGS is a place of refuge for abused, abandoned, neglected and unwanted animals. They specialize in the care of potbellied pigs and farm pigs, but shelter other farm and domestic animals as well. The Sanctuary currently provides a safe haven for approximately 400 animals, including potbellied pigs, farm pigs, horses, cats, dogs, goats and many other species. PIGS serves as a home of last resort for these animals and has played a crucial role in the placement of countless others.

WHEN: Saturday, September 29, 2007, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
WHERE: PIGS Animal Sanctuary, Shepherdstown, WV

For more information or directions, please call (304) 262-0080 or email [email protected].

Has lack of space prevented you from growing your own veggies, fruit and herbs? Think again! During this innovative workshop, gardening expert Darren Butler will introduce ingenious methods for growing edibles in spaces as small as a windowsill. They'll cover container gardening, growing requirements of suitable herbs and veggies, soil management, and all the tools needed to start growing your own edibles. Then you'll learn what it really means to Eat with the Seasons. Natural foods chef Christy Morgan will teach you all the elements of Seasonal Cooking, so you're able to take your veggies straight from your patio to your plate. You'll leave this workshop with delicious, cholesterol-free recipes that your whole family will enjoy! After the cooking demonstration, enjoy a light meal of seasonal edibles that were made in class. Presented by Eat Your Veggies & Darren Butler. Pre-registration is required! Enrollment is limited, so don't wait! Registration is $115. Bring a friend or family member along, 2 people for $200.

WHEN: Saturday, September 29, 2007, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.
WHERE: Crenshaw/Washington area (location announced when registered)

The San Francisco Vegetarian Society and In Defense of Animals present the 8th Annual World Vegetarian Day Festival 2007. Activities and events include international vegan cuisine, healthy food demos, eco fashion show, live entertainment, children's corner, pet adoption, and more. Featured speakers include Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Michael Greger, Howard Lyman, Dr. Milton Mills, and more. Entrance is free to everyone before 10:30 a.m. After that, the suggested entrance donation is $5.00. Kids, students, and seniors with ID are free. A vegan is dinner is available on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. with Guest Celebrity "Bizarro" cartoonist, Dan Piraro.

WHEN: Saturday, September, 29 - Sunday, September 30, 2007, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
WHERE: Golden Gate Park

From September 30 to October 6, 2007 the Indian Vegan Society will host the 11th International Vegan Festival at the RNS Residency in Murdeshwar, Karnataka, India. For more information about the event, visit the Vegan Festival website [ http://www.ivu.org/veganfest ].

The Animals & Society Institute will host "Becoming the Change" the 22nd Annual International Compassionate Living Festival. This year's speakers will include: Captain Paul Watson (Sea Shepherd Conservation Society), Micheal Greger (Humane Society of the United States), Josh Hooten (Herbivore Clothing), Bob Pyle, Tom Reagan, and Kim Stallwood. Registration is $169.00.

WHEN: October 5 - 7, 2007
WHERE: Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center, 4700 Emperor Boulevard

Celebrate World Vegetarian Day this year at the Compassionate Cuisine Event where you can meet with others to celebrate compassionate living choices.

Sample an array of vegan foods from California's top veg restaurants and veg food companies. This unique (and yummy!) event is also a great educational opportunity for friends and family. Bring your guests to enjoy delicious vegetarian food and organic wines and beer, while learning about farm animal protection issues. Special guest presenters include Lorri Bauston, President of Animal Acres and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary, and Paul Shapiro, Director, Farmed Animal Campaign, Humane Society of the United States.

Animal Acres is a Los Angeles farmed animal sanctuary and compassionate living center directed by Farm Sanctuary co-founder Lorri Bauston.

WHEN: Saturday, October, 6, 2007, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
WHERE: the 2nd City Council Gallery, 435 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach, CA

Give conventional recipes a healthy makeover. Past classes have included Lasagna, Stroganoff, Chicken Divan, Pepper Steak, Shepherd's Pie, Sweet & Sour Meatballs, Paella, Taco Salad, Tamale Pie, Beef Bourgiugnone, Mac & Cheese, Meat Loaf, Beef Stew, Fajitas, Baked Ziti, Pepperoni Pizza, Cheesecake. Bring a family favorite recipe to veganize in class. No meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, or honey. $45/person; $80/two people; $40/VSDC, VRG, and COK members. Class includes recipes, food samples, manufacturers' samples, and coupons. Gift certificates available. Make checks payable to Mimi Clark, 9302 Hallston Ct., Fairfax Station, VA 22039. Sorry, no phone reservations. Email [email protected], or call 703.643.2713 for space availability (this class is currently half full).

Mimi Clark, "Veggie Gourmet," has been teaching vegan cooking classes for the past 17 years. She has contributed recipes to several natural foods cookbooks, and is currently developing recipes for natural food manufacturers.

WHEN: Sunday, October 14, 2007, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
WHERE: Fairfax Station, Virginia

WHEN: Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 3 p.m.
WHERE: Crystal Thai Restaurant
9191 Reisterstown Rd
Owings Mills, MD 21117

*Please reserve by October 5, 2007*
This all-vegan Thai dinner will include the following:

Woon Sen Soup (bean thread & tofu)
Spring Rolls
Fried Tofu appetizer
Garden Delight Stirfry
Sweet & Sour Vegetables
Thai Red Curry with Tofu Drunken Noodles
Vegetable Fried Rice
Vegan Tapioca Pudding
Menu subject to change.

The price includes tax & tip. To make your reservations, please call the VRG office at (410) 366-8343 with your VISA or MasterCard by October 5, 2007. You can also mail your payment by October 1st to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203. Please make your check payable to VRG and include your phone number. Refunds will only be made if we can replace your seat with another attendee.

Come to the 12th Annual Festival for a great day of fun, food, and learning. Admission, food sampling, and parking are all free! This is the longest running event of its kind in the country.

WHEN: Saturday, October 20, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
WHERE: Reggis Lewis Athletic Center 1350 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02120

To help people explore the diversity of plant-based cuisine, three U.S. cities will be hosting the first Annual Vegetarian Restaurant Week.

Central Florida Veg Fest is back -- bigger and better than ever! Come for an exciting day of colorful and educational exhibits and events. Admission is free! Veg Fest gives you an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy a diverse cross-section of vegetarian cuisine and lifestyle. Discover new products and ideas from over 100 vendors and enjoy a wide variety of presentations and food preparation demos. Veg Fest is a family-friendly, alcohol-free, and smoke-free event.

WHEN: Saturday, October 27, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Loch Haven Park, 900 East Princeton Street

Join The Vegetarian Resource Group for their 26th annual Pre-Thanksgiving potluck dinner. Admission is $4 per adult; children are admitted free. Also, please bring a vegan dish - that serves four as a contribution from EACH member of your party. If you are unable to cook, you may bring a prepared vegan dish for four from a local natural foods store or restaurant. Write the ingredients of your dish on a 3 x 5 card to accommodate guests with special dietary needs. Please call The Vegetarian Resource Group at (410) 366-8343 if you need any more information about this event.

On Sunday, December 23, 1 PM, The Vegetarian Resource Group will hold a vegan Chinese dinner at Huang's Mandarin House in Hollywood, Florida (near Ft. Lauderdale).

The menu will include:
Hot and Sour Soup/Vegetable Soup
String Beans in Garlic Sauce
Curry Vegetarian Chicken
Orange Crispy Tofu
Chinese Greens
Vegetable Chow Fun
White and brown rice
Oranges

Cost is $20 per person ($8 for children under 12), including tax and tip, by December 1, 2007. Price is $25 after December 1. 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.

12) CALL-A-DIETITIAN DAY

If you have general nutrition questions, Mark Rifkin, MS, RD, LDN, will be available from 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST on Friday, November 16, 2007. 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.

In addition, Mark is offering a 20% discount on any service for VRG members. This is for his private practice and is not affiliated with The VRG or Call-A-Dietitian Day.

13) VRG DEAL-OF-THE-MONTH!

While supplies last, slightly damaged copies of Conveniently Vegan [ http://www.vrg.org/catalog/convvegan.htm ] by Debra Wasserman are available for the low price of $5! For this special offer, shipping is free (media rate shipping in the United States only). If you live outside of the U.S., shipping charges will still apply; contact us for rates [email protected].

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 - September' 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. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and U.S. currency. Maryland residents: please add 6% tax to your total. Thanks!

14) RECIPE - APPLE LATKES

4 apples, grated
6 Tablespoons matzo meal
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 Tablespoons oil

Mix apples, matzo meal, and cinnamon together in a bowl. Spoon mixture into oiled frying pan and cook over medium heat for a few minutes. Flip over and cook a few more minutes on the other side.

Total calories per latke: 95 Fat: 4 grams Protein: 1 gram Carbohydrates: 16 grams

15) VRG SCHOLARSHIPS & INTERNSHIPS

The VRG will again award $10,000 in college scholarships. Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, we will give two $5,000 college scholarships to graduating high school students who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities. The students must be graduating high school in spring 2008. The deadline is February 20, 2008. For more information or to read about past winners, go to [ http://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ].

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, 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.)

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!

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

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

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 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.