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Spring 1998 Newsletter "Vegetarian Life"
Table of Contents:
by Janet Erickson
One of the many benefits of being a vegetarian is
that vegetarians generally
feel a lot better than they did when they
were eating meat. Studies show that vegetarians also
increased their resistance
to many of the more common diseases plaguing our
society. As I researched
vegetarianism and how food affects our health, I
discovered organically grown foods and was convinced that pesticide free food was my
best choice.
Twelve years ago finding organic food was not an
easy task. The Garden of Eden only carried organic carrots. The only place to get
an assortment of organic produce was in Philadelphia at Essene Health Food store.
In season you could get a nice selection of locally grown food at the Taylor Farm in Riverside,
NJ.
Today however, The Garden of Eden carries a bountiful
supply of organic produce and you can also find sections of organic foods in
some of your local supermarkets. Fresh Fields, a health foods grocery store, will
soon be opening in Marlton. Essene has grown into a wonderful store and gourmet restaurant
that specializes in macrobiotics. Zagaras in Marlton has a large selection of organic
produce. There is a local co-op that is located in Berlin, NJ. There are also several
companies that deliver organic produce right to your door.
If you know of other places to purchase organic produce
that are not listed in the next article, please send that information to VSSJ
and it will be included in future newsletters.
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We all lead very hectic lives. In today's fast paced
society all types of delivery services have been developed to
come to our rescue. First to come to mind are all the fast food
restaurants, take out restaurants and take out delivery services.
There is also dry cleaning delivery services, maid services, clean
you car services, etc., etc...
Well now to make your healthy eating easier there
are organic produce delivery services. I found two of them, although
I have not tried their services.
Since January, a homegrown company has quietly been
spreading out through the area, delivering their brand of healthy
food in the form of a variety of fresh, organically grown fruits
and vegetables.
Door to Door Organics has a simple philosophy: to
deliver fresh, organic produce directly to the doors of their
clients - offering a convenient, tasty and healthy alternative
to shopping around for fruits and vegetables. Says co-owner Alan
Tizer, "People are becoming more aware of the health advantages
of eating chemical-free foods, and we felt the time was right
for a service of this type."
Door to Door Organics delivers to Philadelphia and
New Jersey. They are located in Chalfont, PA. Eating a healthy diet
is a lifestyle choice, like
any other. Says Tizer, "It's easy, just watch what you put
in your mouth . . . changing your eating habits is a key factor
to good health." And when that choice comes at low prices,
in a convenient manner and tastes great, it's practically made
for you!
For detailed information on Door To Door Organics
call (215)442-9444 or (888)283-4443.
Suburban Organics is a small company in southern
New Jersey that is also delivering fresh certified organic* fruits
and vegetables on a weekly basis. Debby Doty and Shelley Henshaw
formed the company only a few months ago. These two enterprising
mothers seized on the opportunity to create a business for themselves
and, at the same time, provide families with the convenience of
home delivery of great tasting, healthful produce.
Suburban Organics provides a list of what is available
every week. You can alter the order for a small service charge
if there are items that your family will not eat. Payment is required
when the box is delivered. The boxes come in different sizes and
have a variety of different items. In the box is a copy of Debby
and Shelly's newsletter, including recipes for some of the vegetables
and fruit in your order.
Now for the best part: Debby and Shelly say the produce is delicious!
The quality is far
superior to organic produce found in grocery stores and, because
each box is hand-packed, you never get bruised or spoiled fruit
and vegetables.
Give Suburban Organics a try! You won't be disappointed.
Their number is (609)427-0767.
*According to the Organic Trade Association, Organic
farmers must meet defined organic standards, which include: the
land must be free of prohibited substances for 3 years prior to
certification; methods of farming and materials used are annually
inspected; and, farmers must maintain written management plans
detailing their farming practices.
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The familiar Food Guide Pyramid provides meager help
for those of us on or in transition to a healthy vegetarian diet.
So the nonprofit group Oldways Preservation & Exchange Trust
joined scientists from Cornell and Harvard universities to create
the Vegetarian Diet Pyramid. The pyramid sets up a meal plan built
on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
For a free copy, send a self addressed, stamped envelope
to Oldways, 25 First St., Cambridge, MA 02141
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Try - State Singles
Vegetarian singles Coordinator Steve Faris is
looking for a Co-Coordinator to organize future
single's events. Please call him at (609) 767-8807.
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by Paul Simon
Thanks to Beva's Authentic Mexican Food
Restaurant, vegetarians, even vegans, can find a
delicious Mexican meal in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
In early February, nearly forty people gathered
at Beva's for a Vegetarian Neighbors get together.
The restaurant, located in historic Bridgeton, has always offered
several vegetarian entrees, but the Vegetarian Neighbors were
in for an extra treat - they were the first diners to sample the
newly expanded vegetarian menu at Beva's.
Vegetarian offerings such as Lentil Soup, Tacos,
Chimichangas, Burritos and Refried Beans and Rice were enjoyed.
Several vegan dishes were made with soy cheese and/or tofu as
substitutes for the usual animal based ingredients.
As people finished their meals, owner and chef Beva
Pitts emerged from the kitchen to thank everyone for coming and
to make an announcement. All of the new vegetarian choices would
become permanent menu items. Good news indeed for vegetarians
or anyone interested in trying delicious vegetarian fare. Beva's
Authentic Mexican Food Restaurant is located on Commerce Street,
1/2 block east of Pearl Street (Rt. 77).
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Vegetarian Neighbors
Vegetarian Neighbors is a social group based in the
Franklin Township - Vineland area that get together to share meals, recipes, cooking tips
and good company. Contact Roshan or Lois Dinshah for information at (609) 694-3025. |
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H-COM, Inc. recently published two new vegetarian
comic books. The Race Against Junk Food is geared towards children
eight years and younger, and The Snak Posse is for older children.
Both books feature the exploits of the Snak Posse, a group of
"vegipeople" whose bodies are part fruit or vegetable.
The Posse includes Flash Carotene, Blush, Kernel, Silky Stalker,
and Banana Bolt.
The Snak Posse comics are an excellent vehicle originally
designed to help kids want to eat healthy foods. The books sell
for $9.95 each plus shipping, and can be ordered by calling (888)
217-SNAK.
You can also check out the Snak Posse web site by
pointing your browser at:
Editors note: My ten year old daughter read "The
Race Against Junk Food" and couldn't put it down. She said
"This book is awesome!"
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by Alberts Organics in Ivyland, Pa.
American farmers use over 1.5 billion pounds of pesticides
yearly. This comprises nearly 5 pounds of poisonous sprays per
person. Scientific studies reveal that pesticide residues are
now showing up in our foods at alarmingly high rates, not only
from what is sprayed on the crops while growing but also from
toxic sprays that have been used in the past and persist in the
soil. In California, organically grown foods are labeled under
a law that defines the term "organic". This means that
the foods have been grown without the use of synthetically produced
fertilizers and pesticides and haven't been treated with waxes,
fumigants or any such chemical treatments.
We are seeing documentation from recent tests that
organically grown food, grown in a conscientious and biologically
sustainable manner, is nutritionally superior. Just as the child
who is raised in a balanced and healthy environment is stronger
and more constitutionally sound, a plant grown in a healthier
environment will be stronger and contain more nutrition.
One cornerstone of organic farming is the commitment
to getting the highest quality product to the consumer. Farmers
who grow organic produce pick it when it is in its truly ripe
stage and consequently at its peak in flavor and goodness.
Organic foods are grown in a manner that creates
a healthy and balanced environment allowing plants to grow with
the forces of nature and not against them. Organic farming means
being committed to sustainability of the environment. By maintaining
healthy soils and employing new and innovative techniques in pest
control and soil management, farmers are able to obtain the yields
they need without using the synthetic pesticides that have so
vastly polluted our food chain today.
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For those of you who like to shop and pick out your
own food your best bet is to shop at the Garden of Eden (1155
N. Rte 73, Ramblewood Center, Mt. Laurel, NJ. 609-778-1971) They
have been around for quite some time offering a wide selection
of organic produce, grains, pasta, nuts, seeds, etc. as well a
many other health food items. They also specialize in offering
a varied menu in their Country Kitchen where you can purchase
lunch and dinner weekdays and brunch on Sunday. They are in the
process of expanding their store so that they can better serve
you! Owner Diana Melchiorre and her mother Junetta Mehl, have
been working hard on this expansion and are very excited about
their upcoming expansion open house on April 1st. This is a great
opportunity to stop in and see what the Garden has to offer. They
are offering a 20% discount on everything in the store on this
day only. I would also like to mention that in the past 10 years
that I have been organizing events for the Vegetarian Society,
they have been very supportive in the growth of our organization.
If you live in or near center city Philadelphia,
Fresh Fields at 2001 Callowhill St.(215)557-0015 is a fantastic
place to shop. They are a health food supermarket where you can
find whatever organic produce is available and many health food
and related items. In the Spring they will be opening another
location in Marlton, NJ in the Greentree Plaza on Route 73 and
Greentree Rd.
Essene Natural Food Market and Cafe is located on
719 S. 4th Street, in Philadelphia (215- 922-1146). They have
been around for many years offering a great selection of organic
produce and organic foods. They also have a beautiful Cafe where
they use as much organic food as possible.
If you are interested in a co-op there is one in
Berlin. A Co-op is a group of people who get together to share
in the responsibility of ordering and distributing food from a
local distributor. Your involvement usually lowers the cost of
the food purchased. Call Mary Jarvis-Flaherty for details. (609)
768-5140.
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What natural foods are now being carried by supermarkets?
Are grocery stores providing more health food items?
Only a few years ago, the average supermarket probably
would have sent a customer searching for a veggie burger to a
natural foods store a couple of miles down the road. But now the
veggie burger business, as well as the market for vegetarian items
like tofu, soymilk, and organic produce, is booming.
The Vegetarian Resource Group recently surveyed a
number of major supermarket chains to see if they carry certain
vegetarian foods and organic produce. Twelve chains answered,
representing 1,800 stores. VRG did a similar survey two years
ago.
Supermarkets are responding to an increased demand
for healthy, vegetarian products. Every major supermarket surveyed
reported carrying veggie burgers and tofu. Just two years ago
our survey showed that supermarkets were just beginning to carry
veggie burgers in large quantities. A number of markets at that
time said that the general public was more interested in buying
tofu.
Non-dairy milk products such as soy milk or rice
milk are available at 67% of surveyed markets. Veggie hot dogs
now sell at 42% of the chains as compared to 9% of the chains
two years ago.
The most growing demand for natural foods may be
in the area of organic produce. Every supermarket reported carrying
it in at least some of their stores.
The Vegetarian Resource Group is a non-profit organization
that educates the public about vegetarianism. VRG PO Box 1463,
Baltimore, MD 21203. (410) 366-VEGE
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On January 10th we held our first Vegan Chili Contest
at the Moorestown Community Center. Those who attended had a delicious
time sampling all the chili entries and casting their votes for
their favorite dish. We also had a large assortment of side dishes
to round out the meal. Many thanks to all participants.
We would also like to thank The Garden of Eden
(1155 N. Rte 73, Ramblewood Center, Mt. Laurel, NJ)
for their donation of a gift certificate for first place and to
the Great Harvest Bread Co. (Shoppes at Holly Ravine 100 Springdale
Rd. Cherry Hill, NJ 609-216-0700) for the generous donation of
their delicious bread that went so well with the chili. The following
recipes were voted the top 3 of the evening!
| Mild Chili |
| Quick Chili Recipe |
| Zucchini Chili |
by Sylvia Sushman
Sauté the following in 2 Tbs. oil:
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup each, chopped onions, celery, carrots
Add the following spices:
1 teaspoon each of cayenne, sage, oregano, and allspice
Add chili powder to taste
Mix well and add:
1/2 cup bulgar which was simmered in 1 cup of water
until absorbed (10-15 minutes)
1 large green pepper (coarsely chopped)
1 large can of peeled tomatoes with the juice
1 cup each - kidney beans, garbanzo
beans (or pinto).
Stir well and simmer 20 -25 minutes.
Add Bragg's Aminos or Shoyu to taste.
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by Jack Cohen
Into a 3 gallon pot add the following:
1 can each of - kidney beans, pink beans, black beans,
garbanzo beans, corn, peas, sliced beets
2 jars Tabasco brand 7 spice chili sauce (spicy)
2 cans of green chilies
Add the following to taste:
Thai garlic and chili sauce
Sesame oil
House of Tsin Szechuan Stir-fry Sauce
While bringing mixture to a boil dice the following and then add to the pot:
5-10 small potatoes
2-4 small onions (yellow or red)
1 cluster of garlic
Simmer covered until potatoes are done, stirring occasionally.
Serve over barley and rice cooked together.
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submitted by Maureen Mullholland
recipe from Michele Pasella-Grimley
Cut the following into chunks (do not mince):
2 to 3 onions
2 peppers
2 garlic cloves
2 to 3 zucchini
In a large pot or dutch oven sauté the onions,
peppers and garlic for a few minutes then add zucchini .
Add the following:
1 large can tomatoes - chopped
1 small can (8oz) tomato sauce
2 cans beans (pinto, kidney or pink)
3 tablespoons of chili powder
add a couple dashes of hot sauce
Let simmer uncovered in a dutch oven for a while.
Don't overcook zucchini.
Serve with brown rice.
Short cut: You can skip sautéing and add all
the ingredients in to a crock pot and cook for 3 hours .
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Vegetarian Society of South Jersey,
P.O. Box 272 Marlton, NJ 08053
Phone (877) www-vssj Fax (609) 988-6579
THE VEGETARIAN SOCIETY of South Jersey is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to educating the public about vegetarianism. The society
provides literature, videos, cooking classes, displays and speakers to
various organizations.
The Vegetarian Society is also a social organization,
providing various opportunities for people to meet and share meals
and fun. We support all endeavors towards a vegetarian lifestyle and
encourage members to actively participate in all efforts towards caring, consciousness,
conservation, and compassion.
Vegetarian Life is a forum for the exchange of ideas
and information. Please send interesting information, letters, articles, and ideas
to VSSJ PO Box 272 Marlton, NJ 08053
President
Janet Erickson (609) 983-3964
Vice President/Treasurer
Dale Azaren (609) 871-3068
Secretary
( open )
Membership Coordinator
Terry Green (609) 546-0894
Information
Jan Fitzpatrick (877) www-vssj
Tabling Coordinator
Judy Azaren (609) 877-8923
Singles Coordinator
Steve Faris (609) 767-8807
Newsletter Coordinator
Janet Erickson (609) 596-3269
Vegetarian Neighbors
Roshen Dinshah (609) 694-3025
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