RPS continues to offer vegan food choices in IU dining halls

Although IU is no longer in the running to become peta2’s most vegan-friendly college, the University is still trying to give students vegan choices in dining halls.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ youth division, peta2, contacted Rachel Noirot, the registered dietician for Residential Programs and Services, about students’ praise of vegan options on campus. Noirot then reported descriptions and photos of IU’s vegan meals to compete in peta2’s annual competition.

This isn’t the first year IU has been recognized for its vegan-friendly habits. In 2006, it was voted No. 1 in peta2’s competition, and Director of RPS Dining Services Sandra Fowler said IU has been on the top-10 list several times.

Fowler said RPS has been catering to vegetarians since the 1970s, when students at Collins Living Learning Center vocalized their desire for options fitting their dietary preferences. The demand for vegan options started in the late 1980s, and the search for alternate choices began.

“Other schools are just in the beginning stages, while we have been providing options for over 25 years,” Fowler said.

In the 2011 competition, IU was recognized for numerous desserts and entrees including tofu French toast, spicy Thai noodles and peanut sauce, black bean enchiladas, cherry crisp and apple crumb pie.

Both Noirot and Fowler said they want to see future expansion of vegan products at more locations in RPS dining services.

Paige Snyder, tourist advisor for peta2, gave advice for IU’s efforts in next year’s competition.

“See what vegan products are out there,” Snyder said. “There’s always something new to try.”