University of Kent students follow their peers at Stirling, Cambridge, Queen Mary University of London, Birmingham, and London Metropolitan in calling for similar measures
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Another UK university will be transitioning to plant-based catering in a bid to tackle the climate crisis.
Students at the University of Kent turned out in record numbers to vote in favour of ditching animal products by 2027-28, with more than 450 – the highest voter turnout in Kent Union history – taking part.
They follow students at Stirling, Cambridge, Queen Mary University of London, Birmingham, and London Metropolitan, who have also opted for vegan catering on their campuses.
Plant-Based Universities’ campaigners have been working with students at Kent, and say they will continue to support them to ensure their vote is implemented.
The organisation is described as a ‘nationwide initiative of students who are pushing for their universities and student unions to adopt 100 per cent plant-based catering’.
It believes universities ‘have an obligation to follow the scientific research that they produce’, in relation to how animal farming and fishing impacts the environment.
University of Kent
In a statement sent to Vegan Food & Living, Kent’s Student Union President, Zaid Mahmood, said the vote marked an ‘important step’ in tackling the climate crisis.
He said: “After consideration from the Board of Trustees, we have passed an amended policy which highlights Kent Union’s support for the transition towards 100% plant based catering and our commitment to work with this group of students going forward.
“This is an extremely important step in combating the climate crisis which continues to get worse day by day due to inaction. We must tackle the climate crisis together.”
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‘A necessary transition’
Chris Chudley, 22, from Plant-Based Universities Kent, added: “We are completely overwhelmed by the support we have received from students to pass this motion calling for plant-based catering at Kent.
“It is a relief to see our university acknowledging the student body in calling for this necessary transition towards a safe and secure food system.
“Our campaign will maintain its presence and continue to lobby the university, and take nonviolent direct action where necessary, to ensure the student’s vote is honoured and that affordable, nutritious, and delicious plant-based menus are made available as soon as possible.”
Keen to cut your own impact on the planet? Find out how going vegan impacts the environment and our health
Featured photo © Plant Based Universities
