Despite Record Freeze, PETA Ladies Will Wear Lettuce Bikinis to Launch Vegetarian Campaign on The Tide

Beauties Will Give Away Veggie Burgers to Launch Hip-Hop Mogul Russell Simmons’ New Ads Touting New Year’s Healthy-Eating Resolution

For Immediate Release:
January 6, 2014

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

Norfolk’s freezing temperatures may break records, but that isn’t stopping PETA’s “Lettuce Ladies” from hitting the Monticello Station on Tuesday, which is expected to be the coldest day in 18 years, in order to distribute delicious, free veggie burgers to passersby and kick off PETA’s new ad campaign on Hampton Roads’ light rail, The Tide. The ads, which feature longtime supporter Russell Simmons, are currently on display on Metro buses in Washington, D.C., and encourage anyone who is tempted to get healthy, help animals, or “go green” in 2014 to “get on board—go vegan!” The campaign, available here, will run throughout January and February.

When:   Tuesday, January 7, 12 noon sharp

Where:  Monticello Station, Monticello Avenue and E. Freemason Street,  Norfolk

PETA and Simmons are setting out to counter the fast-food industry’s constant marketing to urban areas. “I grew up in Hollis, Queens and always make it my job to never forget where I came from,” Simmons says. “I am particularly saddened that in poor urban communities the cheapest, most accessible food is fast food, which is also the most likely to increase the risk of developing various diseases and illnesses.” Fortunately, delicious and affordable vegetarian meals such as veggie burgers are available everywhere, from supermarkets to chains such as Denny’s and Burger King.

On average, vegans and vegetarians are significantly leaner than meat-eaters are, and the consumption of meat and other animal-derived products has been conclusively linked to heart disease, strokes, diabetes, cancer, and obesity. Vegan meals are also an excellent choice for people who get digestive problems from cow’s milk, a condition affecting 70 percent of African-Americans.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.