Students at the privileged, ancient and premier University of Cambridge in England have voted to support a transition to a solely vegan menu across its catering services.
The Plant-Based Universities campaign is a global initiative of students who are pushing for their universities and student unions to adopt fully plant-based catering.
The Cambridge Student Union voted on Monday to “initiate talks” with central catering services about removing all animal products from its cafes and canteens. The motion was backed by 72% of non-abstaining student representatives who voted.
The student union’s decision does not guarantee that Cambridge’s catering services will go fully vegan, however, as the power to change food policies lies with the university. However, they did remove beef and lamb products back in 2016.
A University of Cambridge spokesperson said: “The University of Cambridge removed ruminant meat from the menu in all university catering Service cafes in 2016 and has a sustainable food policy which also seeks to actively promote plant-based options, remove unsustainable fish from the menu and reduce food waste. We always welcome suggestions from students and staff.”
William Smith, 24, from the Cambridge branch of the Plant-Based Universities Campaign, 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.