Plant based living*

Veganism is the fastest lifestyle movement in the last 10 years seeing a 360% increase in the number of vegans living in the UK.

This means that over 550,000 people in the UK have adopted a plant based diet which is over 1% of the UK population.

There are now over 1.2 million vegetarians.

33% of the UK population are flexitarians.

A recent YouGov survey found that 25% of people living in Britain have cut back on meat consumption.

2017 saw over 80 vegan festivals in the UK.

The Benefits*

Whether being totally vegan or mindful of reducing meat consumption eating more plant based meals can have a positive effect on the environment and personal health.

37% of methane emissions result from factory farming. Methane has a global warming potential 20 times higher than CO2.

Animal agriculture uses 70% of the World’s fresh water supplies.

Millions of acres of forest including the Amazon are cleared for growing crops exclusively for livestock feed.

By eating plenty of wholegrains, legumes, fruit, nuts, seeds and vegetables these foods are packed full of beneficial protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. 

Research has linked a vegan diet with lower blood pressure and cholesterol, lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

Hospitality Services are a Vegetarian Society approved caterer.

We actively promote the consumption of plant based meals and the reduction of meat and dairy for both personal health reasons and environmental impact.

Vegetarian and vegan meals are available across all services and we make use of alternative plant based proteins such as pulses, beans and tofu.

We also place an emphasis on wholegrains and seasonal vegetables.

All of our restaurants take part in Meat Free Monday promotions.

EAT IN

EAT IN students can enjoy a variety of plant based options:

Breakfast - there are several hot options including vegan sausages, hash browns, baked beans, tomatoes and mushrooms and this can be complimented with vegan croissants and a selection of cereals with non-dairy based milks. There is also Alpro soya yoghurts and fresh fruit available daily. 

Dinner - For dinner there is always a hot dish suitable for vegans along with a dessert option. Again tea and coffee can be taken with non-dairy milk.

OUR CAFES

In our cafés non diary milks are readily available and also vegan retail items of well-known brands alongside vegan bakery and some homemade cakes.

CANTEEN LUNCHES

During lunch service in canteens a hot vegan meal is provided along with vegan pre-packaged sandwiches and the soup is generally suitable for vegans.

Each canteen has a salad bar which contains a selection of salads that are plant based.

Where do we get our fruit and vegetables from?

Find out more about our Field to Fork initiative.

* information has been sourced from IPSOS MORI poll for Vegan Society, National diet and nutrition survey (NDNS), Forum for the Future, YouGov and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO)