The broadcaster, along with a slew of celebs and academics from more than 50 UK universities, are calling for a transition to vegan catering…
Chris Packham along with a cohort of academics and celebs are pressuring UK universities to switch to vegan catering.
University Vice-Chancellors, Catering Managers, and Student Union Presidents across the nation have been sent an open letter from the Plant-Based Universities campaign.
It calls for them to adopt a ‘100 per cent just and sustainable plant-based catering’ following overwhelming research into the environmental impact of animal agriculture.
Signatories on the letter also include Dale Vince OBE, Caroline Lucas MP, George Monbiot, and academics from more than 50 universities. It has been described as ‘the largest single instance of academic support for a plant-based food system’.
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‘A brighter future’
In a statement sent to Vegan Food & Living, Packham said: “Campaigners are making incredible changes in their institutions and it’s only right to see hundreds of academics stepping up to support them.
“The move towards a safe and secure plant-based food system is starting, and I stand behind these committed young people driving this shift forward.
“Their successful votes at universities such as Cambridge and Birmingham show the way towards a brighter future. The support of world-leading experts in climate and food system research for this transition speaks volumes.”
Signatories on the letter also include Dale Vince OBE, Caroline Lucas MP, George Monbiot, and academics from more than 50 universities. Photo © Plant-Based Universities
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Michelle Farnham of the Plant-Based Universities campaign added: “This open letter should be a clear message to universities across the UK and beyond that the time for bold and decisive change is now.
“We’ve already seen seven universities make the common-sense commitment towards 100 percent just and sustainable plant-based catering. All that remains is for others to step up and show the same level of climate leadership.”
Vegan catering in Universities
Plant-Based Universities has already seen success in its campaign, with a slew of UK universities turning away from animal products.
Earlier this year, Cambridge University’s Students’ Union voted to start talks with its catering services to remove animal products from their offerings in favour of an all-vegan menu.
Almost three-quarters (72 percent) of non-abstaining student representatives voted in favour of the motion following a four-week consultation process.
William Smith of Plant-Based Universities Cambridge said: “It’s great that Cambridge Students’ Union has passed our motion to work with the University to implement a just and sustainable plant-based catering system.
“By removing animal products from its menus, the University could significantly reduce its environmental impact and showcase to the world its commitment to sustainability.
“The University Catering Services has already made important strides, for example in 2016 when it removed beef and lamb from all its menus. We look forward to working with them on the next necessary steps.”
Living the student dream? Check out our guide on navigating university life as a vegan
Featured photo © Roberto Ricciuti via Getty Images
