University students vote for '100%' plant-based catering

Students at the University of Kent have voted in favour of “100% plant-based catering”.

More than 450 students voted in what was the highest turnout in Kent Student Union’s history, according to the Plant-Based Universities campaign, which is active in over 40 institutions.

The motion, which was officially passed last week (22 June) after deliberation from trustees, agreed to lobby university-run catering facilities to fully transition to plant-based menus by 2027/2028.

The move could affect 16 food outlets at the university.

A proposal submitted by Christian Chudley, president of Plant-Based Universities Kent, to Union president Zaid Mahmood in January read: “A plant-based food system has massive regenerative and sustainable potential for people and our landscape. It can produce more food, with fewer emissions, while also increasing carbon drawdown."

It also stated: “We emphasise a just transition because 100% plant-based catering is culturally inclusive, always being halal, kosher and nutritionally adequate, and is accessible to those with health conditions and dietary requirements.”

Responding to the vote, Chudley said: “We are completely overwhelmed by the support we have received from students to pass this motion calling for plant-base catering at Kent. It is a relief to see our university acknowledging the student body in calling for this necessary transition towards a safe and secure food system.”

Mahmood added: “This is an extremely important step in combating the climate crisis.”

Queen Mary University of London, Birmingham and London Metropolitan have also voted for similar measures.

Image Credit: Plant-Based Universities