Momentum builds for Europe’s universities to embrace plant-based catering

Whilst we here at Let’s Go Vegan have a focus on all things vegan in Australia, we were thrilled to learn about how the UK and it’s institutions are embracing veganism in higher education.

Two UK universities voted for plant-based catering this month whilst an audit in Italy shows mixed support for plant-based meals. So whilst there is always more work to be done to create a kinder world, there are certainly positive signs from around the world!

Plant Based Universities

Vegan Diet

A growing number of universities across Europe are embracing plant-based catering, a development welcomed today by food awareness organisation, ProVeg International.

This trend reflects the growing acknowledgment of universities’ cultural influence and their pivotal role in shaping ethical perspectives and sustainable practices within society.

Plant-Based Universities, a student-led organisation, has been spearheading campaigns across Europe aimed at expanding plant-based canteen menus.

Recent News

This month, the student unions at the Universities of Falmouth and Exeter voted to transition to a 100% plant-based menu, joining a growing list of universities in the United Kingdom, including Warwick, Stirling, Cambridge, Birmingham, Kent, London Metropolitan, Queen Mary University of London, and University College London.

Vegetarian diet

Outside of the UK, the University of Graz in Austria has already opted for plant-based catering.

In the Netherlands, students at several universities began campaigning to get their universities to switch to fully plant-based catering. Two hundred Dutch academics signed an open letter in support of the move, which has now garnered over 1,200 signatures from academics, politicians, public figures, and healthcare professionals.1

Pro Veg

Lucia Hortelano, ProVeg International EU Senior Policy Manager, said, “It’s encouraging to see the academic centres of Europe embrace climate-friendly food. There’s certainly a growing momentum, but it’s important that other universities follow suit.”

“We need to seize this momentum, because for some students, it’s not just a matter of whether the school will adopt fully plant-based menus – sometimes it’s whether the canteen will even offer plant-based options,” Hortelano continued.

Who are Pro Veg?

ProVeg International is a food awareness organisation with the mission to replace 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040.

Their vision is a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.

More plant-based options needed in Italian canteens

The MenoPerPiù campaign by Essere Animali recently published a report on plant-based offerings at Italian universities.

Vegan Menu

Out of 58 menus analysed, only 12 canteens were found to fully meet the criteria for a diverse and sustainable menu.

The report further found that only 20% of the universities surveyed provided plant-based options for main courses up to 1-2 times a week.2

More work to be done

Despite some of MenoPerPiù’s concerning statistics, a study conducted in 2023 by ProVeg International and Smart Protein, called “Evolving appetites: an in-depth look at European attitudes towards plant-based eating”, found that 59% of Italians are already actively reducing their meat consumption, citing health, animal welfare, and environmental concerns as primary motivations.3

“Examining statistics from Italy highlights the existing demand for plant-based foods, despite the inconsistency in menu offerings.

It’s crucial that we capitalise on recent successes and leverage the growing awareness and willingness to embrace climate-friendly foods throughout Europe,” said Hortelano.

“This necessitates actively raising awareness about the impacts of animal agriculture and ensuring that canteen offerings align with student values. It’s imperative to sustain student campaigns and initiatives such as ProVeg’s School Plates programme.

Vegetarian Diets

By providing resources, support, and guidance, the ProVeg’s School Plates programme empowers schools to introduce plant-based meal options effectively.”

“Universities wield considerable cultural influence and play a pivotal role in shaping ethical perspectives and sustainable practices within society.

As hubs of knowledge and innovation, they are instrumental in educating future leaders and driving research on pressing global issues, including the climate crisis.

Plant based transition period

By transitioning to fully plant-based menus, universities can lead by example, demonstrating a genuine commitment to addressing the climate and ecological emergencies,” said Hortelano.

Vegan Recipes

Ready to start on your own plant based journey? Be sure to visit our Let’s Go Vegan recipes page here for inspiration and ideas on eating more plant based! Even if you are just starting to embrace vegetarian diets or a vegan lifestyle, we can help you with your vegan meals. From meat substitutes to all kinds of plant foods.

Final Thoughts

It’s fantastic to see the next generation of plant based and vegan warriors being born from the worlds educational institutions. As we all know the future depends on the next generation so its amazing to see whats being done at uni’s around the world.
If you are a group are doing amazing things in the vegan space, be sure to drop us a line and let us know!

LGV!

References

1 Over 200 Dutch Academics Call For 100% Plant-Based University Catering As Plant-Based Universities Launches In The Netherlands, Plant-Based Universities, (5 February 2024).

2 Mense Per Il Clima: Ranking Della Ristorazione Universitaria, MenoPerPiù, Essere Animali, (2024).

3 “Evolving appetites: European attitudes towards plant-based eating”, ProVeg International, (November 2023).