Vegan/Vegetarianism is a growing movement across the UK and beyond, especially with young people such as students. There are many reasons for this, including concerns for animal rights and the ethical belief they shouldn't be used for human gain; concerns about the massive environmental impact of animal agriculture; and the health risks surrounding consumption of animal products. 

Currently, in the Guild of Students (University of Birmingham) the options for vegans are poor. The outlets (Costa, Spar, Subway) offer nothing substantial in terms of actual meals and Joe's Bar (owned by the Guild) only offers 2 very basic and similar vegan 'meals' (i.e. a 3 bean chilli, served with lettuce or nachos). For busy students who would like to eat a meal on campus or socialise with their friends during meal-times, this can pose a problem. Currently, other student unions across the UK are well ahead of this, offering many options to their students with dietary requirements and making sure no one is excluded. The Guild are currently working on a new food outlet, and this is a brilliant opportunity to get a good range of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu. Vegan food is often very cheap, including stables such as beans, rice, pasta, vegetables and potatoes, so would be cost effective and could be fairly priced for a student budget.  

As part of this, I would like to encourage the Guild to support the Meat Free Mondays campaign. This is an easy way anyone can get involved in helping animals, the environment and their health, without making a massive commitment, simply by reducing their meat consumption.

As President of the Vegetarian and Vegan Society and Ethical and Environmental Officer, I am campaigning to make this happen! To indicate your support for getting more vegan (and vegetarian) options at the Guild and for the Guild's involvement in Meat Free Mondays, please sign!