peta2 Launches 2012 Most Vegan-Friendly College Contest

Meat Industry's Abuse of Animals, Health Concerns, and Fouling of the Environment Send the Number of Vegan Students Skyrocketing

For Immediate Release:
October 8, 2012

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Norfolk, Va. -- According to food-service provider Bon Appétit, in the seven years since peta2, PETA's youth division, started its annual Most Vegan-Friendly College contest, the number of college students who identify themselves as vegetarian has risen by 50 percent and the number of vegan students has more than doubled. So this year, determining the best of 32 large schools and 32 small schools will be tougher than ever, but already there are several standouts:

• University of Illinois (UI): With vegan options in every dining location, the biggest challenge that students at UI face is to decide what and where to eat.
• University of North Texas (UNT): Last fall, UNT opened Mean Greens, the nation's first all-vegan dining hall at a major school. Itfeatures vegan sushi, pancakes, biscuits, and much more.
• College of the Atlantic (COA): At COA, every meal on campus can be veganized. The school even has vegan bakers on staff, and menu items include vegan lasagne, barbecued tempeh, and seitan Reubens.
• Wesleyan University: Vegan desserts are a Wesleyan specialty. This year's Halloween-themed display is Gotham City and will feature a vegan chocolate-molded Batmobile.
• University of California–San Diego (UCSD): UCSD's new all-vegan dining hall, Roots, offers an array of delectable vegan sandwiches and wraps, including the Spicy Sierra, made with chopped vegan chicken, homemade barbecue sauce, and chipotle soy crème.

"The vegan revolution is in full swing, and nowhere is that more evident than on college campuses," says peta2 Associate Director Marta Holmberg. "The best way that students can fortify their health for a tough year at school, protect the environment, and save animals' lives at the same time is to go vegan."

The contest begins today, and voting for the first round ends October 16. Round winners are determined by the number of votes received, the quality and variety of vegan foods offered by the schools, the schools' enthusiasm in promoting vegan options, and student feedback. For more information, please visit peta2.com.