Hundreds of universities in the US have introduced vegan menus into cafeterias

To tackle the climate crisis, hundreds of US universities have decided to offer students more plant-based dishes by 2025.

Sodexo company aims to change 42% of menus to vegan in university cafeterias in the next 3 years. This is also a facility management and food service company that supplies more than 1,000 independent universities, colleges and schools in the US.

The move is the result of a 2020 study of Sodexo's environmental impact. Internal analysis shows that 70% of the company's carbon emissions are related to animal-based foods.

Animal agriculture is responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet research shows that plant-based food production is far better for the planet.

On an individual basis alone, eating lamb once or twice a week would emit around 339 kg of greenhouse gas emissions per year. (That's the same as driving a gasoline car more than 860 miles.) But if you eat the same amount of tofu, you'll only emit 12 kilograms, according to the BBC's climate impact calculator.

Relocate universities from meat

The new commitment from Sodexo is part of the Plant-Based Takeover partnership with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

The initiative put Sodexo chefs through HSUS-led training on plant-based food preparation. They then went on to create nutritious, balanced menus for university dining halls. Such takeovers have been carried out in 140 educational institutions.

Karla Dumas, HSUS's director of foodservice innovation, praised Sodexo for making significant efforts to reduce its impact on the planet.

“Any sustainable plan that creates real change — and not just lip service — will focus on moving away from a meat-heavy menu to one that focuses on food,” she said. of plant origin".

“I thank Sodexo for leading the industry by committing to making the tangible changes needed to meet greenhouse gas reduction goals,” she added before declaring that “Sodexo has found the formula of success”.