Padma Lakshmi Declares Her Love of Veggies by Taking the MorningStar Farms® Veg of Allegiance(TM)

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., April 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --  This Earth Month, MorningStar Farms, a leader in the veggie movement for over 40 years, is spotlighting how eating a diet with more plant-based foods is one of the easiest, most delicious "acts of green" we can do today for a better tomorrow. To spread awareness, MorningStar Farms teamed up with food expert and "Top Chef" host Padma Lakshmi to encourage people to take the Veg of Allegiance™. The pledge is simple –eat veggie protein instead of meat, for even just one meal a week, and share your pledge on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #VegAllegiance.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7481251-morningstar-veg-of-allegiance/

"My life revolves around food - I'm either cooking it, eating it or tasting it as the host and a judge on 'Top Chef'," said Padma Lakshmi. "I'm an adventurous eater, but try and stick to a diet rich in vegetables because I believe what we eat matters. That's why I'm taking the Veg of Allegiance and want others to join me."

It's Just What the World Ordered

Evidence revealing the impact of food choices on the planet and on people's health is growing. In fact, a 2015 report from the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services recommend a diet with more plant-based and fewer animal-based foods, maintaining that it can be healthier and produces less environmental impact¹. It's also noted producing meat can generate more greenhouse gas emissions than everyday road transportation combined.²

And, people are starting to take note. In fact, today nearly half of the people in the U.S. are trying to eat less meat³. MorningStar Farms believes no moment is better than now for people to take action.

"We're here to help people change not just their diet, but also help the planet," said Todd Smith, Director of Brand and Innovation Marketing at MorningStar Farms.  "MorningStar Farms champions a more veggie-full life and hopes that, through the Veg of Allegiance, we will create real, positive change in our world."

MorningStar Farms offers more than 30 nourishing products and over 300 delicious recipes to help pledge takers follow through on their veggie commitment. Whether you're a first-timer or a veggie vet, the Veg of Allegiance invites people to share their pledge on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to motivate others. Those taking the pledge may be eligible for earth-friendly prizes, including a hybrid car, commuter bikes, or a year's supply of MorningStar Farms products⁴.

Through the MorningStar Farms "Just What the World Ordered" tour lucky veggie-lovers across the country will get a chance to taste the brand's new offerings, including the Spicy Indian Veggie Burger, Chipotle Black Bean Crumbles™ and Garden Veggie Nuggets, and sign up for the pledge at events.

Visit MorningStarFarms.com for tour stops and learn more on how to take the veggie pledge with the hashtag #VegAllegiance.

Suggested Tweets

• Click to Tweet: 1 tiny change can make an impact on our planet! Watch the @MorningStrFarms #VegAllegiance video & join the movement: http://bit.ly/1FFJjxY
• Click to Tweet: Hungry for change? Watch @PadmaLakshmi #VegAllegiance video & pledge to eat more veggies to support a healthy planet http://bit.ly/1xiATwi

About Kellogg Company 
At Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), we are driven to enrich and delight the world through foods and brands that matter. With 2014 sales of $14.6 billion and more than 1,600 foods, Kellogg is the world's leading cereal company; second largest producer of cookies, crackers and savory snacks; and a leading North American frozen foods company. Our brands – Kellogg's®, Keebler®, Special K®, Pringles®, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes®, Pop-Tarts®, Kellogg's Corn Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Cheez-It®, Eggo®, Mini-Wheats® and more – nourish families so they can flourish and thrive. Through our Breakfasts for Better Days™ initiative, we're providing 1 billion servings of cereal and snacks – more than half of which are breakfasts – to children and families in need around the world by the end of 2016. To learn more, visit www.kelloggcompany.com or follow us on Twitter @KelloggCompany, YouTube and on Social K.

¹ According to the 2015 Scientific Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, "In general, a dietary pattern that is higher in plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and lower in animal based foods is more health promoting and is associated with lesser environmental impact (GHG emissions and energy, land, and water use) than is the current average U.S. diet."

²  FAO. (2006) Livestock's Long Shadow: Environmental Issues and Options. Rome.

³ May, J. (2012) Vegetarianization Strategies In Food and Drinks: Understanding the Product, Manufacturing, and Brand Strategies Required to Profit from the Emerging Trend of Restrained Meat Eating. Business Insights Limited.

⁴ Abbreviated Rules. No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited. Open to legal US residents, 18 & older. Begins 3/18/15 at 12:00:00 AM (ET) and ends 9/20/15 at 11:59:59 PM (ET). Subject to complete Official Rules found at https://www.morningstarfarms.com/VoARules. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received. Sponsor: Kellogg Company, One Kellogg Square, Battle Creek, MI  49016. ®, ™, © 2015 Kellogg NA Co.

SOURCE MorningStar Farms