Rivals Go Head-to-Head to Determine Which School Offers Its Students the Best Food for Thought 

For Immediate Release:
October 27, 2009

Contact:
Ryan Huling 757-622-7382

Bellingham, Wash. -- Not that long ago, a vegan meal at many of the country's schools consisted of a salad and a baked potato, but times have changed for the better. That's why peta2, the world's largest youth animal rights organization, has announced the nominees for its fourth annual Most Vegetarian-Friendly Colleges competition--and Western Washington University has made the grade.

The university has been selected as one of the top 32 schools in the U.S. when it comes to providing vegetarian and vegan options. Among the many meatless options available on campus menus are fried teriyaki tofu, veggie fajitas, and vegetarian cutlets with mushroom demi-glace.  

Why are students dropping meat, eggs, and dairy products from their diets faster than a hot potato? For one thing, vegan meals contain much less saturated fat and cholesterol than nonvegan meals, so students who stick to vegan options have a far easier time staying slim. According to the United Nations, raising animals for food is the number one cause of climate change, and going vegan is the single best thing that you can do to help stop animal suffering.

"Western Washington's success in offering great vegan options is good for students' health and for the school's bottom line," says peta2's senior college campaign coordinator, Ryan Huling. "More and more young people are learning that the best thing that they can do for animals, the planet, and themselves is to go vegan."

Other nominees include the University of Montana, Vassar College, and Wesleyan University. Schools were chosen based on student recommendations as well as feedback obtained through MySpace, Facebook, and the popular peta2 blog. Everyone is eligible to vote and help peta2 choose the winners. Winning schools will be announced in November and will receive certificates to display in their campus dining halls.

To view the entire list of the 32 U.S. and eight Canadian colleges and universities that were nominated--and to cast your vote--please visit peta2.com or click here.