Let the chaos begin!
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Courtney Brown

Dr. Ross Fuglsang

Journalism

Thursday, October 07, 2010

Vegans/Vegetarians on Campus!

Many people do not know that there is a difference between a Vegan, and a Vegetarian. A Vegetarian does not eat meat, however being a vegan is quite different. Vegans do not eat any meat, dairy, or animal by-products. The Vegan motto is “If it can look back at you – do not eat it or anything that comes from it” – an anonymous quote. There is a growing community of Vegan’s on campus – I included. So with a growing community, I decided that I would explore some of the options we have for students on campus – especially since it is no secret that if you live on campus – you absolutely must purchase a meal plan.

I spoke with Shiran Nathaniel, who was very swift, though he was out of town and couldn’t be interviewed, he was very helpful, and he helped me set up an interview with Execute Chef Casey Benton.

Mr. Benton has been employed with Sodexo here at Morningside College for two years now. When asked if he was familiar with Veganism and Vegetarianism, and was he aware there was a difference, Mr. Benton replied “Yes, very familiar with the effect of being either of these two- I do know the difference”.  Mr. Benton also let me known that it is important for all students to have a meal plan on campus, and that for every lunch and dinner he prepares a vegan/vegetarian meal, and that if I student needs something special, to let him know! Chef Casey is very Vegan and food allergen friendly. The Cafeteria isn’t the only Vegan friendly spot on campus – the “Spoonholder Café” is possibly one of the most Vegan friendly spots on campus.

When I visited Nancy Boyle, “Spoon Holder Café” manager, she was as always, extremely happy to help, and went as far as letting me see her food rotation menu! They rotate food items regularly, but always have something available ranging from: Fruit Cups, Veggie Cups, natural potato chips, Kind Bars, Icy fruit smoothies, teas, and they are willing to substitute soy milk in any of their coffees! Nancy always says “Happy to help! We try to have something for everyone!” and she definitely takes that to a whole new level every day. With the abundance of food options for the Vegan Student at the food spots on campus, we wouldn’t have to cook for ourselves at all, unless of course we wanted to! I spoke with Vegan student Nicole Raphael, and she offered a couple of websites that anyone could use to grab an easy recipe from.

http://www.veganyumyum.com

htttp://www.peta.com

http://www.vegan.org

Morningside College has been progressive in the Green movement, and now evens the Vegan/Vegetarian movement. With helpful staff, and an open minded student body, it is safe to say that anybody could feel at home at Morningside College.

October 8th, 2010 at 9:30 pm


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