Pinnacle Foods'Food Service Group announced that it is launching a year-long initiative with its gardein™ plant-based protein brand in cooperation with the Meatless Monday organization. The goal of the program is to help restaurants and food service operators (companies that provide food to cafeterias, industrial caterers, hospitals and nursing homes) meet consumer demand for more plant-based dishes by providing menu ideas and promotional materials. A study of restaurant-goers found that 79% eat vegetarian items more than once a week1. By adding more plant-based items to a menu, restaurants can capture additional traffic and revenue from patrons seeking vegetarian options and reduce their environmental impact because plant-based protein uses significantly less water and fossil fuel (oil, natural gas and coal). The meat-like texture and taste of gardein™ plant-based protein products can replace chicken, beef or fish in most recipes, which provides restaurants with center-of-the-plate options that are 100% plant-based.