Hendrix College Throws a “Gardein Party”
Gardein, a product line of meat-free foods, wanted to highlight their new products within a college setting so they reached out to the Meatless Monday team for help. Meatless Monday instantly connected them to Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. The school’s award-winning dining hall already offers vegan and vegetarian food choices on a daily basis and encourages students to join in meat-free dining on Meatless Monday. Hendrix also works with local farmers and implements recycling programs to keep their menu local and sustainable.
A Hendrix chef shows off the Gardein burger
The three parties came up with the concept of a “Meatless Monday Gardein Party,” a day the school cafeteria would set aside to sample new plant-based Gardein burgers, meatballs and crumbles. One of the school’s chefs, Marshall Hines, helped create the menu. The “party” was a huge hit for both the staff and student body.
Cindy Mosley, R.D., Hendrix College Associate Director of Dining Services, said, “We highlighted the event when we submitted an entry to the Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards. This award considers the dining facility as a whole by rating menu, merchandising and presentation, marketing, nutrition and wellness, and sustainability.”
When members of the staff attended the award ceremony at the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) National Conference they received great news. Hendrix College and the “Gardein Party” promotion was awarded 2nd place in the category of “Residential Dining Facility.” Congratulations Hendrix, well done!
If you’re interested in introducing Meatless Monday to your K-12 school, college or university, we provide everything you need to get started. Our free downloadable guides include simple steps to get going, engaging graphics, proven keys to success, and science-backed research from our partner, The Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future.