FAMU needs more vegan options on the menu

Janai Moton, a vegan student at FAMU
Photo submitted by Janai Moton

As more and more people turn to veganism as a healthier lifestyle alternative, one can’t help but notice the lack of vegan food options on the campus of Florida A&M University.

According to HerCampus, one in five college students consider themselves a vegetarian or vegan. Campus dining halls can’t ignore the meatless masses. Can they provide tasty and healthy alternatives to chicken, beef and fish? Or are smoothies the only option for now?


Eating healthier is said to improve longevity. Eating more greens in your diet could lead to longevity, and could cause less health problems. Problems could include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

FAMU has many different food options located all around campus. However, only a select few offer vegan options for students who don’t eat meat or dairy products.

Chick-fil-A another restaurant on campus but the only things to eat from there are french fries and fruit. Although fries are potatoes, a vegan still must pay close attention  to whether the grease the restaurants use is used with products that contain meat.

There are several delicious and innovative vegan food products that are readily available such as tofu, kale, soybeans and quinoa. Don’t you wish our campus had more options and catered to students who choose to be vegans?

Mary Clover, a Metz employee said, “We offer many things to vegetarians at Tropical Café smoothie, but soon we will expand and cater to vegans.”

It is also important to note that there are many different types of vegans.

Vegans who favor a diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, are considered whole food vegans. Junk food vegans are vegans who rely heavily on processed vegan foods such as vegan meats, fries, vegan frozen foods and vegan desserts.

Breana Dominique, a FSU nutrition major, said, “Vegan options on FSU is very prominent. FAMU will soon evolve and add more vegetarian and vegan options to their menus eventually.”

According to Healthline, veganism isn't a new concept, but it's been receiving more and more attention lately. In fact, online searches for the term vegan have risen by more than 250 percent over the last five years.

Will FAMU ever pay attention to what some students choose to eat? Maybe one day. But until then, vegan students will just have to make due with what they’ve got.