Latino Legislator Urges Colleagues to Participate in “Meatless Mondays”

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U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas, who represents California’s 29th Congressional District, is passionate about “Meatless Monday.” An effort he and his staff first spearheaded last year, “Meatless Monday” is a global movement urging folks to forgo meat on Mondays in an effort to conserve the environment and also improve overall health.

In early February, Rep. Cárdenas sent a “Dear Colleague” message to his fellow Representatives, urging them to join him and his staff in observing “Meatless Monday.”

According to an article in the Latin Post, the response has been positive.

“Some of the nation’s largest school districts, workplaces and public figures are signing up to start the week off by taking a day off from eating meat,” Cárdenas said in the article. “Going meat-free means enjoying delicious vegetarian options at restaurants and trying out new recipes at home.”

Cárdenas also acknowledges the importance of “Meatless Monday” for Latinos.

“Latinos face higher risks from heart disease, due to more cases of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity in our communities,” Cárdenas told the Latin Post. “Red meat also leads to an increased risk of heart disease and so cutting back on red meat is a great idea for Latino Americans concerned about their overall health.”

Read more about Cárdenas’s push for “Meatless Monday” here.