Competition Tightens as Schools Across the Country Respond to 100 Percent Increase in Vegan Scholars Since Annual peta2 Survey Began
For Immediate Release:
October 12, 2011
Contact:
Adam Miller 202-483-7382
Bennington, Vt. — College-bound vegans, vegetarians, and even meat-eaters looking for a break from their unhealthy diets are in for a treat. That's because peta2—PETA's youth division—discovered more vegan dining options at more colleges and universities than ever in its sixth annual survey to determine the Most Vegan-Friendly Campus in America. Bennington College is one of 32 schools in the running in the small-school division. People can help peta2 pick a winner by voting for their favorite school at peta2.com/VeganColleges.
"Visit any restaurant or grocery store, and it's obvious that there's a vegan revolution in progress—and young people are leading the charge," says peta2 Division Manager Marta Holmberg. "All our nominees are already winners because they're meeting students' demands for animal-, health-, and Earth-friendly fare in the most delicious ways imaginable."
Bennington College offers students a wide choice of vegan options, but it was the superb Indonesian tofu and peanut salad wraps, Cajun tofu with Creole sauce, and vegan stuffed shells with marinara sauce that separated the school from the pack. According to a study by food-service provider Bon Appétit, the number of college students who identify themselves as vegetarian has risen by 50 percent since 2005, and the number of vegan students has more than doubled during the same period.
Vegan meals are low in saturated fat and contain no cholesterol, so students who stick to vegan options have a far easier time keeping off the "freshman 15." Also, a recent United Nations report concluded that a global shift toward a vegan diet is necessary to combat the worst effects of climate change. And going vegan saves the lives of more than 100 animals every year.
Colleges were nominated based on student feedback and independent research into vegan food options available on campuses. They'll face off in an NCAA basketball tournament–style bracket competition to help determine the winners, which will be announced in mid-November. The schools that advance in each round and the ultimate winners will be chosen by peta2 based on four factors: the number of votes received, the quality and variety of vegan food, the schools' enthusiasm in promoting their options, and student feedback.
For more information, please visit peta2.com/VeganColleges.