D.C. Couple Are Finalists in PETA’s ‘Sexiest Vegan’ Contest

Police Officer Husband and Army Recruiter Wife Battle It Out to Take Top Honors—and a Tropical Vacation

For Immediate Release:
April 30, 2018

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

PETA is preparing to crown this year’s “Sexiest Vegan Next Door“—and Washington, D.C.–based vegan power couple Mike and Melissa Jankowski are vying for the title. They beat out hundreds of other entrants from across the nation to advance to the final round of 10 male and 10 female contestants. Visitors to PETA.org can help PETA select the winners—one man and one woman—who will each receive a free vacation for two to Maui, Hawaii, courtesy of Humane Travel.

The Jankowskis went vegan—along with their son and daughter—one year ago, after watching the documentary Earthlings. As a recruiter for the D.C. Army National Guard, Melissa uses her position to speak about the benefits of vegan eating with soldiers and new recruits, and she always has PETA pamphlets at the ready to hand out. Mike, a police officer who was born in Katowice, Poland, says that his blood pressure has improved dramatically since he gave up animal-derived foods and he loves telling his fellow officers about the health benefits of vegan eating. He looks out for animals whether on or off the job—once, he stopped three lanes of traffic in order to help a family of ducks safely cross the road. In their spare time, the Jankowskis enjoy watching movies—their favorites include Ferdinand and The Secret Life of Pets—and cooking up Gardein’s Chick’n Strips or meatless meatballs with pasta and lots of vegetables.

“This inspirational couple are standing up for peace every time they choose vibrant vegan meals,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “All the finalists in PETA’s ‘Sexiest Vegan’ contest prove that a clear conscience and a compassionate heart are the secret ingredients to sexiness.”

Voting to help PETA determine which finalists it should select as the winners ends at 12 noon EDT on May 14. PETA will select the winners based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here. Winners will be notified and announced on May 21.

For more information and to cast your vote, please click here.