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If you've ever visited Native Foods, you know what it is like to be in vegan heaven. Founded by veteran chef Tanya Petrovna, Native Foods is not only the place for delicious, inventive, animal-free fare, but is also a beacon of animal protection.

The story of Native Foods began when Tanya, during a family vacation, met a dairy cow, and, for the first time, put a face on her morning glass of milk. Gazing into those sweet, bovine eyes, Tanya could not help but be transformed. When she then learned that the sons of dairy cows are commonly sold to veal farms and raised in tiny enclosures not large enough to turn around in, she knew her life was changing for good. Her newfound vegetarianism quickly became committed veganism, and she has not looked back since.

Never afraid to speak their minds about the plight of farm animals, Tanya and her staff have exemplified the spirit of animal protection through their delicious dishes, as well as their commitment to spreading the word about farm animal cruelty. From hosting vegan cooking demonstrations and giving presentations to local schools, to tabling at community events, the Native Foods staff uses every possible outlet to give others the opportunity to make their own lives cruelty-free. As many activists know, it is rarely indifference to animal suffering that is the problem-it is ignorance. Educating the community about farm animal issues, and providing concrete solutions for reducing animal suffering, are tactics that play a central role in the quest for an end to farm animal exploitation. Native Foods has never lost sight of that larger goal. Ready to take on the world, the restaurant chain-once a single establishment in Palm Springs-is expanding. Three more California locations are now in operation and a fourth is opening soon. Plans to open establishments across the United States (and beyond) are also in the works.

Farm Sanctuary has long been aware of the impact that Native Foods makes on the local community. Changing minds about what vegan dining can be (it's not just tofu and salad anymore), is just one part of their outstanding commitment to vegan issues. A visit to any Native Foods location will quickly result in a purse-full of Farm Sanctuary literature. And with the holiday season in full swing, some Native Foods locations offer information about Farm Sanctuary's Adopt-a-Turkey Project, for which individuals and groups can sponsor a turkey at the California or New York Shelter for only $20 and help provide for her food, bedding and veterinary care. With gracious generosity, the Native Foods team has also taken it upon themselves to sponsor not one, but three of Farm Sanctuary's Veg Info Stands, where community members can learn about factory farming's horrible impact on human health, environmental sustainability and animal welfare. And as part of the Native Giving Program, the eatery has loyally donated to Farm Sanctuary, offering substantial support for our rescue, education and advocacy efforts.

It is the collaboration of individuals, groups and businesses that makes the animal protection movement such a whirlwind of social change. Native Foods is a perfect example of a business which has taken an inspired idea and seen it through to a national effort with real, positive results. When Tanya first encountered that sweet dairy cow on a family vacation, she had no idea that this simple event would change her life-and her company-for the better. But then, we can't say we're surprised; our animals are changing lives every day. Tanya and her staff are a shining example of just how much we can do for farm animals and, in terms of inspiration, how much farm animals can do for us.

Thank you, Tanya, and the Native Foods staff! Your tireless commitment to farm animals inspires us all to make animal protection a part of everything we do!

Together, we ARE making a difference. If you would like to find out more about volunteering your time to educate others about factory farming and vegetarianism, please contact us at activist@farmsanctuary.org, or call 607-583-2225 ext. 229. Click here to find out what YOU can do to help!