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2) TEMPETHON GLOBAL TEMPEH CONFERENCE ONLINE SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 2021
Virtual conference Tempethon 2021 will go live to spotlight the Indonesia fermented protein, tempeh (spelled "tempe" in Indonesia). A staple of the Indonesian diet, tempeh has recently caught on in western markets. Included will be talks and cooking classes. To register for complimentary tickets, visit
[ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tempethon-2021-tickets-155571569753https:www.evenbrite.com/e/tepehton-2021-tickets-155571569753 ]
Chef JL Fields will demonstrate how to crete tempeh burgers using simple ingredients. Ecuadorian fermentor Cata Vallejo will showcase tempeh in south Ameican cusiine. Special recipes from Miyoko Schinner of Miyoko's Creamery will also be featured.
They will also be kicking off the sale of their Home Tempeh Making Kits that people can buy (US customers only in this trial period). These kits are a fundraiser for the Tempe Movement and 1000days, an Indonesian charity fighting 'stunting', a disease caused by malnutrition that keeps over 30% of Indonesian children from obtaining normal height, weight and brain development.
For more information on tempeh, see
[ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/all-about-tempeh ]
[ https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2016issue1/2016_issue1_cooking_tempeh.php ]
[ https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj99may/1999_may_tempeh.php ]
3) SESAME TO BE INCLUDED IN LIST OF FOOD ALLERGENS ON FOOD LABELS
Sesame seeds are used in many products from being sprinkled on burger buns to being ground into sesame seed paste, which is also called tahini. Approximately 0.23% of children and adults in the United States are allergic to sesame and have reactions to sesame ranging from hives to anaphylactic shock. Until now, sesame was not one of the major allergens that must be named in plain language on the ingredient labels of processed foods. On April 23, 2021, President Biden signed a law making sesame the ninth major allergen that must be listed clearly on the ingredient label of foods. The other major allergens are milk, eggs, wheat, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and soy. All products that use sesame seeds or items derived from them will have to be explicitly labeled after January 1, 2023. Passage of this law will make it easier for those with a sesame allergy to identify products containing sesame. Currently, according to FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education), consumers may see terms like benne seed, tahini, gomasaio, halvah, tehina, and sim sim on products containing sesame. In approximately 18 months, these products, and others containing sesame will have to have a statement on the label that indicates the common or usual name of the major food allergen followed by the food source in parentheses in the list of the ingredients. For example, the ingredient label for packaged hummus containing tahini, would say "tahini (sesame)." The manufacturer could also add "Contains sesame" although this is not required.
References:
Warren CM, et al. Prevalence and severity of sesame allergy in the United States. JAMA Network Open 2019;2(8)e199144.
Food allergy advocacy win: the president signs the FASTER Act and makes sesame a major allergen. Kids with Food Allergies.
https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/sesame-allergy-and-food-allergy-research-supported-by-faster-act ]. April 23, 2021.
Sesame allergy. FARE.
[ https://www.foodallergy.org/living-food-allergies/food-allergy-essentials/common-allergens/sesame ]
4) HOW MANY U.S. YOUTH WILL BUY A VEGAN BURGER AT A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT?
By Charles Stahler and Reed Mangels, PhD, RD
With Target selling almond and soy milk, Burger King carrying the Impossible Burger, and Dunkin offering Beyond Sausage, it seems there is an explosion of interest in vegan foods. However, The Vegetarian Resource Group wanted to know how many young vegans there are. See The Vegetarian Resource Group's 2021 YouGov poll of 8-to 17-year-olds in the United States at
[ https://www.vrg.org/nutshell/Yougov2021youthteenwriteup.pdf ]
5) 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, restaurant research, clerical work, writing HTML, contributing to our vegan parents group, doing media interviews, editing, photography, performing nutrition analysis, helping with our newsletters, reading scholarship essays, 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
- Ksheetisha Bhat
- Shantika Bhat
- Simon Brown
- Amy Burger
- Cathy Conway, MS, RD
- Keryl Cryer
- Julia Comino
- Daniella Eisenstadt
- Carole Hamlin
- Clarissa Hauber
- Suzanne Hengen
- Jessica Langenhan, MD, MBA
- Nina Lehr
- Nancy Maggs
- Reed Mangels, PhD, RD
- Kim Manzo
- Laura McGuiness, MLIS
- Whitney McVerry
- Adhirai Muthukumar
- Julie Neild
- Lucia Rivera
- Deb Roy
- Marcia Schveibinz
- Brad Scott
- Callie Showwalter
- Shawn Wistrom
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6) FLORIDA STUDENT JASMINE EL MRABTI WINS $5,000.00 VEGETARIAN RESOURCE SCHOLARSHIP
The VRG is happy to announce that the winner of this year's Vegetarian Resource Scholarship is Florida student Jasmine El Mrabti. In the ninth-grade Jasmine converted to veganism when she made the connection between human and animal lives. In high school, she was one of seven Americans selected for an international scholarship to study microbiology, robotics, and Arabic in Cairo. She chose to do a plant-based project, posing diet change as a viable method for reducing suffering. At the same time, she interacted with Egyptian families and registered 23 members to a vegan coaching program, as well as distributed veggie pamphlets.
Jasmine will be pursuing a college degree in Biological Physics with a minor in Middle Eastern Studies or Environmental Studies. Read her full story here:
[ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/05/13/florida-student-jasmine-mace-wins-5000-vegetarian-resource-group-scholarship/ ]
The deadline for the next scholarship contest for high school seniors graduating in 2022 is February 20, 2022. To see rules and past scholarship winners, visit [ https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm ]
To support additional scholarships and internships, donate at [ https://www.vrg.org/donate ]
, call (410) 366-8343, or send donations to VRG, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.
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7) SENIOR EDITOR RISSA MILLER JOINS PEACE ADVOCACY NETWORK VIRTUAL DISCUSSION ON TUESDAY, JUNE 22 AT 7 PM
The Peace Advocacy Network is excited to invite Rissa Miller, senior editor of Vegetarian Journal Magazine and organizer of Baltimore Vegan Drinks, to join us for a discussion about Navigating Life as a New Vegan.
From talking to family and friends about your lifestyle to attending social events (safely!) to traveling, Rissa has you covered with 26 years worth of advice, tips, and insightful suggestions from her experience participating in almost every kind of activism you can imagine.
Register to join us on Tuesday, June 22 at 7 pm EST for the free virtual discussion at [ https://tinyurl.com/navigatingasvegan ]
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8) SUPPORT FOOD GIVEAWAY FOR NEEDY INDIVIDUALS IN BALTIMORE
Naijha from Land of Kush sent this message. Juneteeth this year is on June 19th: "Hello VRG. I hope all is well. We're planning another food give away for Juneteeth at Pleasant Hope Baptist Church during their farmers market."
$500 will buy about 50 vegan meals, and both support a vegan restaurant and the needy. If you would like to support this project, you can donate at
[ https://www.vrg.org/donate ]
Please write in the comments field that this is for Land of Kush food donations, and we will pass on the donation.
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9) VRG HIGHLIGHTS
A reporter for The Washington Times was doing a story on the increasing amount of alternative proteins. They were able to use data from our recent youth poll.
[ https://www.vrg.org/nutshell/Yougov2021youthteenwriteup.pdf ]
VRG Nutrition Advisor Reed Mangels, PhD, RD spoke to approximately 40 attendees during a virtual presentation at the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics annual meeting on May 3rd, 2021.
Thank you to Reed Mangels and Nina Lehr for their virtual presentation for the San Jose Public Library. The librarian said: "I could tell by their use of the chat or just un-muting themselves and sharing that the audience was engaged. I think having two perspectives and lived experiences really added to an already wonderful program". (Reed has raised her daughters vegan and Nina is a vegan college student.)
Thank you to Adhirai Muthukumar who led a virtual class on legumes for the participants at Christopher Place in Baltimore, a residential program for previously homeless men. VRG volunteer health coach Marcia Schveibinz, who is teaching weekly vegan cooking classes there said she did a great job and the men asked a lot of questions.
Big thank to you to volunteer Lucia Rivera for all the help she gave VRG Nutrition Advisor Reed Mangels, PhD, RD with the virtual seminar for teens at the San Jose Public Library.
A group of dietitians in Central Virginia asked to copy our Vegetarianism in a Nutshell, Veganism in a Nutshell, and Vegan Diets in a Nutshell poster for their patients.
VRG Nutrition Advisor Reed Mangels, PhD, RD did a virtual in-service for ten University of Maryland Dietetic interns. The students already have their undergrad degree, and are doing a one year internship towards their registered dietitian credentials. Also assisting and sharing information about low cost vegan foods were Vegetarian Resource Group interns Amy Burger (from Georgia), Lucia Rivera (from California), and Julia Comino (virtually from Mississippi). VRG volunteer Whitney McVerry and her two vegan toddlers shared practical information about vegan pregnancy and young children. Two dietetic interns requested to do their optional one week rotation with us. Julia will be writing more about the in-service in an upcoming blog posting.
VRG donors sponsored the Land of Kush's preparation and distribution of 50 vegan meals for the needy. Thanks to all our generous donors. See video of their good work here: [ https://www.facebook.com/TheLandofKush/videos/475527426962428 ]
We continue to send information to a myriad of users from restaurants to local groups to prisoners.
The Vegetarian Resource Group was accepted to have a 22" X 28" poster displayed at the Baltimore Washington Airport for six months. If traveling through the airport, let us know if you see this on a column in Concourse D. And visit the Silver Diner at BWI for vegan pancakes.
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10) VRG EVENTS
VIRTUAL VEGETARIAN PRESENTATIONS FOR TEENS presented by VRG Nutrition Advisor Reed Mangels, PhD, RD, Sponsored by San Jose Library. Join us for these online seminars. All times are California times. Reed already did virtual presentations for adults and families during April.
TEENS
Virtual Vegetarian 101 for Teens 6/16/2021 4:00 PM
[ https://sjpl.bibliocommons.com/events/6013067960a86b2f00b9dfc1 ]
Virtual Vegetarian 101 for Teens 6/18/2021
Virtual Vegetarian 101 for Teens 6/18/2021 4:00 PM
[ https://sjpl.bibliocommons.com/events/60144c717abe85450023b39e ]
Coming this July, VRG Volunteer and Health Coach Marcia Schveibinz will be presenting a virtual program for the Lafayette Public Library in Louisiana on the benefits of vegetarianism. More information to follow.
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11) BALTIMORE/MARYLAND NEWS
BALTIMORE'S RED EMMA'S IS MOVING
Red Emma's is on the move. Baltimore's cooperatively-run, radical bookstore and cafe, is moving for the fourth time, this time to what owners call their 'forever home' in Waverly. The business announced the move in a statement on Twitter: 'You may have heard a rumor that Red Emma's is buying a building. That rumor is FALSE. We're actually buying TWO buildings!? Read more here:
[ https://www.baltimoresun.com/food-drink/bs-fo-red-emmas-moves-20210423-vz67fie5ezfvhczwn4t6pg4xtm-story.html ]
ONE WORLD CAFE IN BALTIMORE RESTAURANT REVIEW
By Clarissa Hauber
If you're a vegetarian or vegan living in the Baltimore area, there's little doubt you've heard of One World Café. The quaint café, bakery, bar, and sit-down restaurant is located conveniently on the corner of Canterbury Road, steps away from the Johns Hopkins University campus. Whether you need a quiet study spot, a mid-workday lunch stop, or a place to gather and dine with friends and family, One World Café has become a go-to place for students and families in and outside of the Hopkins area. My first visit to One World Café was in 2018. See the rest of the article at [ https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/04/28/restaurant-review-one-world-cafe-baltimore md/ ]
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12) TRIFECTA VEGAN MEAL DELIVERY OPTION
Vegetarian & Vegan Meals Delivered by Trifecta. Go to:
[ https://www.trifectanutrition.com/partner-vrg ]
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13) OTHER EVENTS
SENIOR EDITOR RISSA MILLER JOINS PEACE ADVOCACY NETWORK DISCUSSION ON TUESDAY, JUNE 22 AT 7 PM
The Peace Advocacy Network is excited to invite Rissa Miller, senior editor of Vegetarian Journal Magazine and organizer of Baltimore Vegan Drinks, to join us for a discussion about Navigating Life as a New Vegan. See:
[ https://tinyurl.com/navigatingasvegan ]
VEGETARIAN LUNCH WITH BUDDHIST MONKS IN THAILAND
Oldways nonprofit has announced their 2022 trip to Thailand for food lovers with a focus on plant-based foods including a vegetarian lunch with Buddhist Monks. More information here:
[ https://oldwayspt.org/events/plant-based-thailand-culinaria-plant-powered-dietitian sharon-palmer ]
INTERNATIONAL VEGAN FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES VEGAN COOKBOOK COMPETITION
The International Vegan Film Festival (IVFF) expands its annual competition to include a vegan cookbook contest open to both professional and amateur chefs from around the world. The Festival will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 in Ontario Canada. Deadline for submissions is June 30, 2021. For a full list of rules and terms visit:
[ http://www.theivff.com/vegan-cookbook-contest.html ]
PLANT-BASED PREVENTION OF DISEASE CONFERENCES
The event is to be held at NCSU in Raleigh, North Carolina on June 25-27, 2021. There is limited in-person attendance or you can attend from home via Livestream. More information about this event is here:
[ https://mailchi.mp/48a0802476d4/preview-of-2021-p-pod-conference-programs-2808541?e=b1924014a7 ]
. Their website is here:
[ https://www.preventionofdisease.org/ ]
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14) VEGETARIAN JOURNAL PREVIEW
VEGETARIAN JOURNAL ISSUE 2, 2021 - Kale Salads
Just in time for Farmer's Markets to get into full bloom, try Linda Tyler's Every Day Kale Salads! Not to be confined to a limp side dish, these salads are full meals. Belly up to the table for Thai-Inspired Coconut Kale Salad, Kale Tabbouleh, Pear Balsamic Salad with Candied Walnuts, Kale Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing or Rainbow Kale and Grain Salad. Each recipe shows off veggies, grains, and homemade dressings. To support delicious vegan recipes like these, subscribe to the Vegetarian Journal. 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.
To subscribe to Vegetarian Journal in the USA, see:
[ https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php ]
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15) 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:
- Have you wanted to make a gift in honor of a loved one, friend or colleague, but weren't sure which charities were vegan, pro-environment or pro-animal rights? Consider a donation to the VRG as a memorial for a loved one, or way to honor someone's actions with a living tribute. This is perfect for special occasions, such as a wedding, birthday, anniversary or retirement. We will send an acknowledgment to you and the giftee, and your kindness will support our educational outreach programs and help promote veganism. [ https://www.vrg.org/memandhon.htm ]
-
- 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 ]
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16) FOLLOW VRG'S SOCIAL MEDIA
You can keep up with us on ~
To subscribe to VRG-NEWS, you just need to type in your email address at
[ https://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/index.php#subscribe ]
Then click subscribe.
if you do not wish to receive the National Email Newsletter, visit
[ https://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/index.php#unsubscribe ]
See Unsubscribe at the TOP RIGHT OF THE PAGE. You only need to type in your email address where it says unsubscribe. Then click on Unsubscribe. A confirmation message will be emailed to you.
OR YOU CAN JUST EMAIL [email protected] and let us know that you want to unsubscribe from the national email newsletter.
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17) ABOUT VRG
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 [ https://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/index.php#subscribe ]
If you do not wish to receive the National Email Newsletter, visit [ https://www.vrg.org/vrgnews/index.php#unsubscribe ]
See Unsubscribe at the TOP RIGHT OF THE PAGE. You only need to type in your email address where it says unsubscribe. Then click on Unsubscribe. A confirmation message will be emailed to you.
OR YOU CAN JUST EMAIL [email protected] and state in the subject line: unsubscribe from the national email newsletter.
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