 | |
| Abbreviation | VRG |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1982; 43 years ago (1982) |
| Founded at | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Type | Nonprofit |
| Legal status | 501(c)(3) organization |
| Purpose | Promotion ofveganism |
Region |  United States |
Official language | English |
Main organ | Vegan Journal |
| Website | vrg |
TheVegetarian Resource Group (VRG) is an American501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public onveganism and its relation to health, nutrition, ecology and ethics. The Vegetarian Resource Group is based inBaltimore, Maryland and publishes theVegan Journal.[3]
The Vegetarian Resource Group was founded in September 1982 by Charles Stahler and Debra Wasserman with the assistance of Audrey Fluke, Norris Fluke and Ernie Kopstein.[3][4] Stahler became vegan in 1977 and Wasserman in 1980.[5] The organization was originally named Baltimore Vegetarians. In 1989 it was renamed the Vegetarian Resource Group as its publications gained national interest.[4]
Between 1982 and 1984 the VRG sponsored Sandy Weinstein's tofu cooking class.[6] In 1983 their first book was published,Vegetarianism for the Working Person.[4] They publishedI Love Animal and Broccoli Activity Book in 1995. Over 130,000 copies were given to pupils and teachers.[7] Debra Wasserman volunteered on theGiant Supermarket Consumer Board by giving her input on non-dairy sources of calcium which were put in their nutrition brochures.[6] In 1997, the VRG collaborated with the National Meals on Wheels Foundation and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs to form the Vegetarian Initiative, a program to introduce meatless meal options into senior feeding programs.[8] Their website was launched in 1997.[3]
The Vegetarian Resource Group reported in 2003 that 50 restaurant owners at that year's National Restaurant Association Show mentioned thevegan veto vote affecting their businesses.[9] A 2014 survey conducted byHarris Interactive for the VRG found that 4% of those aged from 8 to 18 identified as vegetarian.[10] In December 2024, the VRG announced a $50,000 college scholarship award to graduating students who have promoted veganism in their schools or communities.[11]
The VRG published theVegetarian Journal from 1982 to 2022. It offered practical advice to those on a vegetarian diet.[12] It described itself as a "practical magazine for those interested in health, ecology and ethics". The journal was unlikeVegetarian Times as it did not support dairy or egg consumption and eschewed advertisements for supplements.[12] Charles Stahler commented that many in the vegetarian movement were being charged a lot of money for supplements that were unnecessary.[12] In January 2022, theVegetarian Journal was renamedVegan Journal.[13]
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