LOS ANGELES, Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles City Council today recognized Gardein, the revolutionary brand that is transforming America's table, for its commitment to providing delicious, meat-free foods and sharing the importance of Meatless Monday with Los Angeles residents.    

Gardein and the Los Angeles City Council are collaborating to show how everyone can enjoy tasty meat-free options for Meatless Monday, a national initiative designed to help people eat healthier and reduce their impact on the environment. This comes on the heels of Los Angeles City Council unanimously passing Councilmembers Jan Perry and Ed Reyes' Meatless Monday resolution on Oct. 24, 2012.

"Gardein is thrilled to partner with Los Angeles City Council in support of Meatless Monday to show there's a better way for people looking to take care of themselves and the planet," said Yves Potvin, Gardein founder and president. "We want people throughout LA—and everywhere—to know that going meatless with Gardein means you don't have to sacrifice taste or give up your favorite meals. It's great for your health and the community!"

In early 2013, Gardein will officially unveil a new tasting kitchen in Marina del Rey, Calif., where the company plans to showcase Gardein alongside Los Angeles chefs. Made with soy, grains and natural ingredients, Gardein's center-of-plate foods easily replace traditional protein in any meal or recipe, from signature Seven Grain Crispy Tenders to the Ultimate Beefless Burger, all of which have no cholesterol, with less fat and calories than traditional proteins.

"By encouraging Los Angeles residents to go meat-free on Mondays, we hope to raise more awareness of the food we eat and the simple ways we can affect our environment and our personal health," said Councilmember Perry. "I thank Gardein for stepping up to the challenge and highlighting one way to support this effort. And, I am delighted that they have chosen Los Angeles as the location to open the doors of their new tasting kitchen."

"Taking care of our health should always be our No. 1 priority," adds Councilmember Reyes. "I'm pleased that an award-winning brand like Gardein is partnering with the City of Los Angeles to help fulfill our mission to educate people about the delicious and nutritious versions of food we love to eat that are kinder to our bodies, the animals and the environment."

For more information on Gardein's foods, including where to purchase, click here.

About Gardein
Founded in 2006, Gardein (garden + protein) is an award-winning line of delicious and healthy meat-free foods. Gardein founder Yves Potvin created the first veggie dog in the 1980s and is now dedicated to elevating – and beefing up – the category with a full range of great-tasting, better-for-you meat-free innovations. From its signature Seven Grain Crispy Tenders to the Ultimate Beefless Burger, Gardein offers mouthwatering, center-of-plate foods that deliver real meat taste, texture and nutrition—with no cholesterol and less fat and calories than traditional proteins. Made with soy, grains and natural ingredients, Gardein's foods can easily replace traditional protein in any meal or recipe. 

Gardein is popping up everywhere, available in the produce cooler and freezer aisle at more than 14,000 grocery stores in the U.S. You can also find us on college campuses and in your favorite restaurants across the country. For more information and delicious recipes, visit www.gardein.com.

SOURCE Gardein