CSULB and PETA are teaming up to create more food options for vegetarian and vegan students. We have a ton of food options all over campus here at CSULB, including the two on campus dining halls and the RLC dining hall off campus, and while I do think the shops and restaurants try their best to accommodate students with different diets, there really aren’t enough options.
Vegetarian and vegan options aren’t the only problem, though. CSULB made a big change when it got rid of Taco Bell in the cafeteria and replaced it with a healthier restaurant. More of those changes should be made toward the other chain restaurants on campus like Carl’s Jr. and Panda Express. Adding more health-conscious restaurants on campus-including vegetarian and vegan options-would greatly benefit students.
The place with the best vegan and vegetarian options on campus is probably the dining hall. They have all their vegan/vegetarian options clearly marked so students can’t miss them. And while it’s great that they do this, the alternative options are usually just a side dish. There are never any entire meal options for vegan or vegetarian students.
It isn’t fair that full meal options aren’t available for vegan and vegetarian students in the dining hall. And that’s assuming that these students are residents. The vegan and vegetarian students who don’t live on campus can’t be expected to eat all their meals in the dining halls. No one should be subjected to only eating dining hall food, really, but that’s beside the point.
Vegetarian and vegan students who don’t live on campus have to find on-campus food options that accommodate their diets on their own time. With classes, homework and work not everyone has time for that. CSULB and PETA teaming up to create better options for students with alternative diets is great, and while I can’t say I’m a fan of PETA or their advertising tactics, I have to give them credit when it’s due.
If the university would implement better options for all students, though, I think it would greatly benefit us all. Walking into the USU can be pretty daunting with its flashing TV’s and tables overflowing with students. And once you get to the food, it can even become a bit discouraging. Having to choose between El Pollo Loco and Carl’s Jr. is basically choosing between heartburn and diarrhea. Subway’s a nice alternative, but eating subs day after day can get a little boring.
The Beach Hut in the cafeteria is another healthy option, but it runs a little steep for a college student to eat there a few times a week for an entire semester.
If CSULB would bring healthier choices to campus (and keep the prices at a reasonable amount for students) we’d be much better off, and wouldn’t have to deal with feeling guilty after another Carl’s run.
Teaming up with PETA was a good move by CSULB and will help provide better options for more students. If they keep up the good work and bring healthier choices overall, it’ll benefit us even further.
Alexis Reza is a senior journalism major and assistant opinions editor for the Daily 49er.
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