Queen Mary University Of London’s SU vote in favour of vegan catering

Queen Mary University of London’s SU has voted in favour of a plant-based catering policy.

Earlier this month, Student Union members attended a council meeting to discuss a motion proposed by organisers of the Plant-Based Universities* campaign.

Now approved, the Students’ Union will adopt 60 percent plant-based catering by the 2024-25 academic year.

Each year, subject to financial viability, this will increase by 10 percent until the SU’s catering becomes 100 percent vegan by 2028/29.

‘Visionary changes’

In a statement sent to Vegan Food & Living, Plant-Based Universities’ Keenal Shah said: “The definitive action taken by the student’s council shows that the younger generation is prepared to tackle the climate crisis head-on with proportionate and visionary changes. 

“We are no longer relying on the broken promises of governments and companies, but are taking on the responsibility to create a better world.”

Shah added: “We’re looking forwards to working with our Student’s Union to implement these changes and provide incredible and affordable plant-based options for all students here at Queen Mary’s.”

Great work by @plantbasedunis 👏@QMSU voted & passed a motion to go entirely plant-based in its catering in response to climate emergency, following Plant-based Universities Campaign.

SU’s menus will 1st become 60 % plant-based increasing gradually towards 100 % by 2028-29. pic.twitter.com/Riww9Xkee6

— PlantBasedTreaty (@Plant_Treaty) March 11, 2023

SU’s go plant-based

Earlier this year, Cambridge University’s SU also voted to start talks with its catering services to remove animal products in favour of a fully vegan menu.

The motion states a ‘fully plant-based global food system could reduce land use for agriculture by 75 percent’, with land then used to draw down carbon dioxide emissions via rewilding.

“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,” said William Smith from Plant-Based Universities Cambridge.

“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.”

*Plant-Based Universities’ campaign, supported by Animal Rebellion, describes itself a ‘nationwide initiative of students who are pushing for their universities and student unions to adopt 100 per cent plant-based catering’.

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Featured image credit: Plant-Based Universities