The Vegetarian Advocate is a newsletter for our members and as such it contains news on past and upcoming events (like the "RAVS Update" column on this page). But we also distribute this newsletter to interested people who stop by our table at health fairs or call us on our 24-hour phone line. If you are one of these people, then vegetarian diet may be a new concept for you, but at least you were curious enough to pick up this newsletter or make that call. This column is for you. Here are some of the basics.

What is a vegetarian? A vegetarian, traditionally, is someone who eats no flesh foods: no meat, poultry or fish. A vegan is a vegetarian who goes further and eats no animal products: no eggs, dairy or honey. Why do people choose to eat this way? Every vegetarian has a story to tell, but basically the reasons to avoid animal foods are these: for your health, for the animals, and for the planet. Every day there are new findings that a plant-based diet is best for health. The standard American diet (SAD), which revolves around meat and animal products, results in poor health for people, suffering for animals, waste of resources, and devastation for the environment.

Changing diet can be hard and people who want to change often need help. If you want to move in the right direction, the Vegetarian Society (RAVS) can help you. We are here to provide information and support. Be sure to ask for our pamphlet, Going Vegetarian in the Rochester, NY Area. You do not need to be a vegetarian to give us a call, to attend our meetings, or even to join our group. Nor do you need to be a member to attend our meetings; guests are always welcome. You only need to follow our "vegan rule" for the dinner meetings (see box on p. 2 for full explanation), and there is a $3 guest fee for non-members. If you want to participate, give us a call (234-8750), or come to a meeting. You will find us helpful and welcoming.