The dining halls at Boston University have been nominated for having some of the most animal-friendly options in the country — and they are appealing to meat eaters as well.
“Last time I had the vegan lasagna with my boyfriend, he had five servings – and he’s not even vegan,” said College of Arts and Sciences sophomore Meera Kanabar, who is a vegan.
BU was recently nominated by its students as one of the most vegan-friendly U.S. colleges in the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals 2’s second annual “Most Vegetarian-Friendly Colleges in America” contest.
PETA2 – a group advocating animal rights among the younger, college-age crowd – judged vegan offerings at colleges in North America. BU ranked in the top 30 after a voting process in which BU students nominated their school as a top choice. The overall winner will be chosen later this month.
“We thought it would be great to recognize colleges that went above and beyond in providing vegan services to their students,” said Ryan Huling, PETA2’s college campaign coordinator.
Huling said he attributes BU’s high marks to the university’s consistency, quality and commitment to serving a large number of vegans on campus.
“It is a great thing that we have these options and that [the university] puts the effort into it, because they don’t have to,” said CAS sophomore Alissa Doherty. “We could always eat a salad or a sandwich. They give me variety instead.”
Vegan students may choose to give up meat, dairy and eggs for humane reasons, while others do so to better their own health, because ingesting meat and animal products has been linked to heart disease and diabetes.
Vegans at BU can enjoy specially made “chicken” potpie, lasagna, soy tacos, macaroni and cheese and sorbet at dining halls. Doherty, who has eaten at dining halls at other colleges, said none were as unique in their offerings as BU, and some did not offer vegan options at all.
Despite the many choices, some vegan students say not all halls equally provide extensive options.
Both Kanabar and Doherty said Warren Towers has better offerings than the Towers residence hall. Kanabar said she is a fan of Tofutti vegan cream cheese, which can only be found at Aesop’s Bagels in the George Sherman Union.
While BU has a wide variety, Doherty said she would like to see more mainstream foods in the dining halls, along the lines of the vegan ice cream offered at some locations.
“Right now the food is very healthful, but even vegans like comfort food,” she said. “I think BU could put a little more thought into making it more palatable.”
