PLANT-FORWARD CAMPUS: Hundreds of U.S. colleges and universities set to embrace plant-based cafeteria menus
Sodexo has stated that it will make the plant-based substitutions through a number of programs where cafeteria chefs will receive fresh training. To date, 140 institutions have completed such a program.
AMY BUXTON: Food service provider Sodexo has pledged to cut its carbon footprint by 34 percent, by 2025. In a bid to expedite the process, it plans to turn 42 percent of its menus across colleges and universities plant-based. Hundreds of U.S. educational establishments are set to feature new plant-forward menus.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is working with leading food service distributor Sodexo on the initiative, following former successful collaborations. The two have previously modernised Sodexo’s menus and put animal welfare policies front and centre.
The college and university-specific division of Sodexo is making almost half of its menus plant-based in response to emissions data. 70 percent of the company’s carbon footprint was revealed to be linked to animal-based foods. Plant-based alternatives generate a lighter impact, leading Sodexo to make the switch…
Sodexo has stated that it will make the plant-based substitutions through a number of ‘takeover’ programmes where cafeteria chefs will receive fresh training, led by HSUS. To date, 140 institutions have completed such a programme, with students and faculty members encouraged to give feedback…
In 2018, the company launched its “Love of Food” project, in collaboration with HSUS. It saw 200 plant-based meals added to various sector cafeteria menus in the U.S. It was extended to more countries in 2019… Subsequent use of Impossible Foods meat, JUST Egg and MorningStar Farms’ meat in cafeteria menu items has confirmed Sodexo’s alignment with the plant-based sector. This was further affirmed by the launch of plant-based menus across 200 serviced cafeterias in Canada, last year… I
“Any sustainability plan that’s meant to create real change—and not just be greenwashing jargon—will center on shifting from a meat-heavy menu to one that’s focused on plant-based entrées,” Karla Dumas, director of food service innovation at the Humane Society U.S., said in a statement…
While reducing its own carbon footprint, Sodexo also hopes to inspire younger generations to adopt plant-based living as a personal sustainability tool. Fighting climate change with low impact food production systems and sustainable alternatives to conventional meat and dairy is a viable solution. Younger generations are aware of the benefits and university students have historically proven to be catalysts for change. Bringing the two together is a common-sense solution whereby everybody wins…
News of Sodexo’s educational menu switch-up comes as Brazil is implementing a plant-based change of its own. Salvador will serve up more than 10 million vegan school meals every year. Legumes, grains, and vegetables will take the place of environmentally-impactful meat in local dishes given to youngsters. The move is hoped to improve the country’s carbon emissions but also educate children about healthy eating. SOURCE…
RELATED VIDEO: