Veganism has increased dramatically over the last five years. In fact, it has increased by 600%. Five years ago only 1% of the American population were claiming to be vegan, that number has since increased to 6%.

Dining halls have notoriously had a bad rap. Usually, I describe it as a glorified Golden Corral.

It is typically impossible to serve delicious food for hundreds of people all day. Yet, ECU has been stepping it up. Last year, ECU was ranked an A+ for vegan options. As a vegan, I was not convinced. However, this semester I have noticed that ECU has made some food changes for the betters.

Local Produce

ECU has an initiative to use more local produce. Many of the produce ECU uses are from local farms within a couple hour radius. This helps the local economy and small farms but also gives ECU students healthier food choices.

I like to know exactly where my food is coming from. It is an encouragement that the sweet potato I am chowing down on came from only thirty minutes away.

Specialty Dishes

The veggie burgers and tofu barbecue are fantastic healthy protein alternatives.

Tofu barbecue is probably my favorite food in the whole world! I have no idea how they make it, but it is delicious. In the dining hall, there are specials almost every day at the expo section- like vegan nachos!

The Never-Ending Salad Bar

The salad bar is always an option for students who are eating more plant-based diets. The salad bar opens around 11 for lunch and they have it available until 11 p.m. when the DH closes. Even if I am not always in the mood for a salad I know it is always an option. The salad bar also typically has several types of beans as well as tofu, making protein alternatives always an option.

Labeled Food

All vegan food has a green vegan label above it. I can navigate what I can and can’t eat with ease. This only began the last two years. My first semester freshman year they did not have these labels.

Constantly asking whether casseroles have butter in them can be exhausting.

Even though dining halls are typically thought of just having french fries, burgers, or pizza they are doing an incredible job accommodating for diets as well as implementing healthy food.

Feel free to head over to your dining hall and see what yummy vegan options are available for you!