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2) TEXAS STUDENT ANAYELI CAMACHO WINS $5,000.00 VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP SCHOLARSHIP
Anayeli Camacho became vegetarian at 14 and then vegan. Wanting a job she could be proud of, she applied to Verdine, a vegan restaurant, for a busser/runner position. "Being 16 at the time, I would ask to do anything from cut the bread to making the ketchup, thinking I was too young to be prep. One of the leads asked if I wanted to become prep full time, and I said yes. I was scared at first, this isn't my home kitchen, it's a real kitchen, with real customers, eating food that I made. I didn't want to disappoint anyone that took a chance on me."
For more see:
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/29/texas-student-anayeli-camacho-wins-5000-vegetarian-resource-group-scholarship/ ]
We had 280 incredible applicants this year. We wish we could give awards to all of them. The deadline for applications for 2021 high school seniors for a college scholarship is February 20, 2021. See [ https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]
for more information on applying.
To support vegetarian scholarships and internships, donate at [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ]
To see other scholarship winners, go to: [ https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]
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3) A 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 [email protected] To support The Vegetarian Resource Group's outreach, donate at [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ]
- Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD
- Whitney Blomquist
- Clare Broud
- Casey Brown, RD
- Anayeli Camacho
- Cathy Conway, MS, RD
- Juhi Dattani
- Rhyan Geiger, RDN, LDN
- Reed Mangels, PhD, RD
- Kim Manzo, RD
- Julia Mathew
- Laura McGuiness, MLIS
- Rissa Miller
- David Milner
- Abby Mudd
- Adhiral Muthukumar
- Katie Nunemaker
- Lucia Rivera
- Cristina Rodriguez
- Marcia Schveibinz
- Kavitha Shankar
- Brad Scott, MBA
- Jacqueline Tang
- James Craig Thieman
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4) BLACK-OWNED VEGAN FRIENDLY RESTAURANT DIRECTORY
The folks at Veg Out Magazine have published a listing of nationwide Black-owned vegan friendly restaurants. See the list here:
[ https://vegoutmag.com/nationwide/food-and-drink-article.php?id=384 ]
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5) WRITING FOR THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP
By Reed Mangels, PhD, RD
(Though this article is geared towards VRG's interns and volunteers, we hope it also helps our readers understand our approach to articles.)
At VRG, we welcome interns and volunteers because of their enthusiasm, new ideas, and talents. We think of our work with interns and volunteers as an opportunity to convey our commitment to accurate and understandable information. The materials that you develop while interning or volunteering with us may appear on our website, in a blog post, in Vegetarian Journal, or as a brochure or hand-out. In any case, we want to feel confident that your work represents our standards and is something that we can enthusiastically promote.
Sometimes students or other volunteers are surprised... continued here:
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/05/29/writing-for-the-vegetarian-resource-group-suggestions-for-interns-and-volunteers/ ]
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6) PEACE ADVOCACY NETWORK
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/ ]
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7) THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP ON 2020 DIETARY GUIDELINES
The Vegetarian Resource Group sent in these comments to the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory committee, c/o USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments for the 2020 edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 endorsed "a healthy vegetarian eating pattern" as one of three "healthy eating patterns that can be adapted based on cultural and personal preferences." This healthy vegetarian eating pattern could encompass lacto-ovo/lacto vegetarian and vegan patterns. The inclusion of both vegetarian and vegan food patterns provided needed guidance for Americans who choose to eat vegetarian or vegan meals, whether this is done occasionally or every day. The text of the Guidelines made a clear and compelling case for a rapid shift in the American diet to one that is more plant-based. The evidence-based approach used throughout the report allowed readers to understand the basis for the recommendations that are made. We hope that the next edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans will provide similar or stronger support for vegetarian/vegan diets.
Continued at
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/06/19/the-vegetarian-resource-group-sends-in-testimony-concerning-the-2020-dietary-guidelines/ ]
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8) VRG BOOKSTORE
Asian Fusion
Expand your cooking repertoire with the exotic flavors of Asian cuisine! In Asian Fusion by Chat Mingkwan, learn to create subtle taste differences with dishes from Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, Singapore, Laos, and Sri Lanka. The book reviews ingredients and spices in detail, as well as discussing multiple varieties of noodles and rice, plus how to crack a fresh coconut for milk! Try recipes like Split Pea Cakes, Hot-and-Sour Soup, Braised Mushrooms, Sesame Green Beans, Papaya Salad, and Lemongrass Tofu. Love desserts? Spiced Coconut Pudding, Sweet Banana Crepes, Almond Cake in Ginger Sauce, and Malaysian Fruit Salad are destined to be new favorites!
Explore the world of Asian flavor in your kitchen today with Asian Fusion by Chat Mingkwan, $14.95
Available at:
[ https://www.vrg.org/bookstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=66&zenid=2e2da57d9b47f975e74bf7833c86b6ff ]
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9) VEGETARIAN JOURNAL PREVIEWS
Vegan Meat-like Burgers
Have you wondered about the health value of the newer meat-like vegan burgers on the market? Dive into this fascinating topic with Casey Brown, RD, and get the lowdown on Beyond Burgers, Impossible Burgers and more, especially in comparison to other vegan burgers on the market. Brown explores fiber, protein, B12, and more. Plus, learn to make your own healthful vegan burgers with recipes for Garbanzo Bean Burgers and Multi-Veggie Tofu Burgers. Subscribe to the Vegetarian Journal to support great research and recipe development like this. Each quarterly issue is packed with the latest scientific updates, vegan recipes to please a variety of eaters as well as other great articles and outreach news. The Vegetarian Journal is available in print and on Kindle!
Order the Kindle edition here:
[ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBY2Y7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544727482&sr=8-1&keywords=B07LBY2Y7K ]
Order the print version here: [ https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php ]
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10) VRG HIGHLIGHTS
We gave a referral for more information to someone asking about vegan diet and estrogen. We also assisted a Registered Dietitian who needed information for her client in cancer treatment who wanted vegan information.
VIRTUAL STUDENT INTERN/VOLUNTEERS
As many students lost their summer jobs because of the pandemic, The Vegetarian Resource Group ended up with ten virtual student intern/volunteers this summer, from New York and North Carolina to Kentucky, Texas, and California. A special thank you to Reed Mangels and Jeanne Yacoubou, who assisted them with projects. We will be reporting on their activities in future newsletters.
POLL RESULTS
We have again conducted our national poll on the number of vegans in the United States, which we have been doing since 1994. Results to come.
Also check out [ https://www.vrg.org/nutshell/faq.htm#poll ]
PRISONER LETTERS
Emilio continues to provide prisoners across the US with information concerning the benefits of choosing to become vegetarian or vegan. You can also check out his article on prisoners? right to vegan meals here:
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/06/12/prisoners-rights-religious-practice-and-vegan-meals-in-prison/ ]
VRG SCHOLARSHIP
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 ]
BLACK VEGETARIAN SOCIETY OF MARYLAND
We donated Vegetarian Journal subscriptions to those who participated in the Black Vegetarian Society of Maryland 10 Day Plant-based Made Easy Challenge.
FDA TESTIMONY
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/ ]
FEEDING VEGAN FOOD TO LARGE GROUPS ON A BUDGET
Our intern Lucia Rivera shares 2019 Vegetarian Resource Scholarship winner Leigh Harris's insight and guidance on feeding vegan food to large groups based on Leigh's experiences at a homeless youth shelter in Utah. Read the full article here:
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/06/25/feeding-vegan-food-to-large-groups-on-a-budget/ ]
UPDATES TO THE DAILY VALUES ON FOOD LABELS
The VRG's Nutrition Advisor Reed Mangels, RD, PhD, comments on recent FDA changes to total daily fat and sodium content. Read the full article here:
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/06/23/more-about-the-updates-to-the-daily-values-on-food-labels/ ]
HOW SUSTAINABLE IS VEGAN LEATHER?
The VRG's Jeanne Yacoubou, MS compares different types of synthetic leather products, including the impact of PVC and other fossil fuel derivatives, and newer types of synthetic leathers. Read the full article here:
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/06/18/how-sustainable-is-vegan-leather/ ]
LOW COST VEGAN MEALS IN SPANISH
The VRG is providing Spanish language translations of our research project providing Low-Cost Vegan Menus based on the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Budget. See the full information in Spanish here:
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/06/09/snap-recetas-semanales-de-menos-costos-para-veganos-low-cost-vegan-menus-based-on-usda-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap-budget-spanish-version-available/ ]
PIZZA HUT BEEF FLAVOR AND ANIMAL RENNET
The VRG's Jeanne Yacoubou, MS researched the use of animal products by Pizza Hut. Read what she found here:
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2020/06/05/pizza-hut-bean-pizza-sauce-contains-beef-flavor-several-products-contain-animal-rennet/ ]
Support vegan research and education by donating to The Vegetarian Resource Group go here: [ https://www.givedirect.org/donate/?cid=1565 ]
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11) 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 ]
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12) 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.
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13) 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.
Albany Veg Fest
Sunday, October 4, 2020
Albany Capital Center
Albany, New York 12207
If you're interested in helping us with a booth, please contact us at [email protected]
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14) 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.
Lancaster VegFest
Saturday, October 10, 2020
Noon to 5:00 pm Buchanan Park
Lancaster, PA
Central Florida VegFest
Saturday, October 24, 2020
10:00 an to 6:00 pm
Orlando Festival Park
2911 E Robinson Street Orlando, FL 32803
11th Annual Tampa Bay VegFest
November 7, 2020
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Perry Harvey Sr. Park
100 E Harrison St, Tampa FL, 33602
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15) FOLLOW VRG'S SOCIAL MEDIA!
You can keep up with us on ~
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16) ABOUT THE VEGETARIAN RESOURCE GROUP & VRG NEWS
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 ( [
http://www.vrg.org/journal/ ]
)
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] to volunteer
Website: [ https://www.vrg.org/ ]
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 are a new subscriber, you might enjoy reading past issues of VRG-NEWS online at
[ http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/ ]
The VRG is an educational non-profit group providing information on vegetarianism and veganism. To subscribe to VRG-NEWS, go to
[ http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/ ]
To unsubscribe, or otherwise manage your subscription to VRG-NEWS, go to
[ http://lists.vrg.org/mailman/listinfo/vrg-news_lists.vrg.org ]
(Go to the bottom of the page where it says "unsubscribe" or "edit options". You do not need a password.)
Copyright The Vegetarian Resource Group 2020 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.
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