A Vegan Cafeteria in the Deep South
The College of Charleston has announced that it’s establishing a vegan (and kosher) cafeteria* to accommodate the interests of “ethical eaters.” Needless to say, this is a sure sign of progress, a clear indication that veganism is edging its way into “mainstream” venues. One expects a place such as UC-San Diego to start a vegan cafeteria, but the College of Charleston? Well, not so much.
Charleston is a city whose culinary traditions are infused with the aroma of smoked pork, jerked chicken, beef, fish, and shellfish. It’s a place that has delicately blended the rich traditions of the West Indies and Carolina Lowcountry–where slaves once free-ranged African cattle in the pine forests—to create a carnival of carnivorism. The college, which identifies deeply with city, was thus a tough nut to crack.
The campaign to achieve the goal of a vegan cafeteria was initiated from the ground up, with the help of this form letter penned by PETA (which, indeed, can be a force for rationality when it focuses on issues germane to the planet Earth):
Vegan foods are more popular than ever at schools nationwide, including here at College of Charleston. As a student on campus, I am hoping to see more delicious, cruelty-free foods offered. With schools across the country such as the University of California, San Diego and the University of North Texas opening all-vegan dining halls within the past year, the very least we could do is offer a wide range of vegan meals in every dining hall. There are so many delicious and eco-friendly foods available nowadays, from faux-beef tacos to vegan pizza, and College of Charleston could be doing so much more to meet the growing demand. I urge you to work with students to implement these changes.
I’m always encouraged when I see vegan progress at the college level. This is the crucible of adult identity formation for many people, a time to decide how to live a deliberate life centered on compassion and positive social change. A vegan cafeteria might seem like a symbolic “victory,” but for the animals not served there, it’ll be anything but. Should you feel so inclined, let the college know how proud you are of its decision. The President’s chief of staff is Brian McGee: mcgeeb@cofc.edu.
* As Tim notes in the comments, this is not an exclusive vegan cafeteria and I should have clarified that point in the post, but I may have swept away by the nugget of hope at the core of this development.
Another huge advance…..Rahm Emanuel endorsed vegan diet in Chicago….that’s right Chicago…the Jungle.
http://freefromharm.org/videos/media-spots/chicago-mayor-rahm-emanuel-endorses-vegan-diet-to-lower-healthcare-costs-and-promote-longevity/
Amazing. Terrific. Wow.
Activism does pay off.
J
I’ll be honest. I’m a lot less pumped after reading the original article. The stunning news of a vegan cafeteria opening in the “Deep South” at the College of Charleston was giving me palpitations. Whereas the opening of a kosher cafeteria (with vegan options) opening at the Sylvia Vlosky Yaschik Jewish Studies Center just doesn’t have the same impact.
Tim,
Fair enough. But the overstatement is warranted, I think, given the fact that they’re even using the word “vegan” at the College. In any case, my heart still palpitates at the prospect of a Jewish Center dining hall going kosher with substantial vegan options. BUt, again, fair point.
j
Hello James, We are making great progress here at the College of Charleston. I’m a mathematics professor and member of the committee that choses the common read book each year. I sold my soul to get a vegetarian/vegan discussion going and we chose “Eating Animals” by Jonathan Safron Foer. He came and spoke to several groups on campus and to the larger community to packed audiences. We’ve had Carol Adams on campus and will have Rich Roll and Richard Oppenlander later this year. It’s been great! Would love to have you come up sometime! All the best, Martin
Having visited South Carolina and Charleston, it’s not what outsiders may think. Beautiful, vibrant city with Whole Foods and Earth Fare stores as well as regular grocery stores like Harris Teeter with good meat alternative and natural food sets. We sell a great deal of Tofurky and Tempeh in the southeastern US. Recommend people check out this fair city.
This is all wonderful news that is added to several recent personal stories that indicate the same (gradual) acceptance of vegan choices. It never moves as fast as hoped… But still, we’re moving the mountain in the right direction!
amen