April 24-30, 2010 - Maryland VegWeek Events: Nutrition, Cooking, Free Food and More!

Starting on April 24, over 200 people, including seven elected officials, participated in Compassion Over Killing’s Maryland VegWeek by pledging to choose vegetarian foods for one full week. This week-long veg pledge celebration started out with a fantastic kick-off party featuring special guests Congresswoman Donna Edwards, Sen. Jamie Raskin, Del. Tom Hucker, Del. Jim Gilchrist, and Mont. Co. Councilmember Valerie Ervin, as well as dozens of VegWeek participants. But that was just the beginning!

Participants were also invited to enjoy a free VegWeek event each day, including a nutrition lecture with Dr. Michael Greger, an “Intro to Meat Alternatives” cooking demonstration with Chef Mimi Clark, a screening of the movie Babe, a restaurant benefit event at zpizza, a sampling of vegan products at Whole Foods in Silver Spring, and, of course, a celebration party!

Thank you—and congratulations—to everyone who participated in MD VegWeek, including the many restaurants that offered week-long discounts and specials!

Several elected officials attended the Maryland VegWeek kick off party and spoke about why they were going veg for the week.

Chef Mimi Clark shows class attendees how to pan fry seitan strips at her “Intro to Meat Alternatives” VegWeek Cooking Demonstration.

Cooking demonstration attendees got to sample the delicious meat alternatives.

“Contestants” stand up to participate in Dr. Greger’s game-show style VegWeek nutrition lecture.

A Whole Foods employee hands out samples of vegan ice cream to curious customers.

People gathered for “Strawberries & Sangria” to celebrate the end of a successful Maryland VegWeek at the Celebratory Mixer.

What better way to celebrate than with delicious, vegan, chocolate-encased strawberry shortcake?