Topping List of Most Vegan-Friendly Colleges

Northwestern recognized for its variety and quality of vegan meal options

EVANSTON, Ill. --- For the second consecutive year, Northwestern University has been selected by peta2, an affiliate of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, as the most vegan-friendly college in the small U.S. schools category.

The award comes after an online student vote and independent assessment of the quality and quantity of vegan dining options offered by nuCusine, the University’s dining service contractor operated by Sodexo, Inc.

“The dining services department reports that between 35 and 55 percent of students select a vegetarian or vegan entrée every day,” said the peta2 assessment. “With options such as tofu French toast, country-fried seitan steak with vegan mashed potatoes and vegan curried tofu with jasmine rice, it's easy to see why.”

Also cited was Northwestern’s participation in “Meatless Monday,” a weekly program that encourages all students to choose a non-meat entrée one day per week.

“We are thrilled to be recognized this way for the second year in a row,” said Richard Thomas, executive director of Norris University Center and Student Auxiliary Services. “The population of students who prefer to eat vegan grows each year so we need to ensure our food program meets their needs.”

Thomas praised the nuCuisine culinary team for its work in making Northwestern vegan friendly.

“Vegan options are not just for those who identify as vegan,” he said. “The culinary team does a great job of creating vegan options that appeal to everyone.”