The University of California Berkeley has announced a commitment to have at least 50% of the entrees served in its dining commons be plant-based by 2027.
The school is teaming up with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to help them reach their goal.
To kick off of the partnership, UC Berkeley and HSUS hosted a plant-based takeover at Crossroads, the school’s largest dining commons. During the event, students sampled a plant-based Fall Grain Salad Stuffed Acorn Squash and provided their thoughts on the menu item. They also shared their feedback on what they would like to see on menus going forward.
Over the next several semesters, HSUS will also be offering a variety of culinary trainings, marketing and other resources to aid UC Berkeley as it makes the transition.
“We're excited to join this initiative and showcase our plant-based options,” said Christopher R. Henning, executive director for Berkeley Dining, in a statement. “Berkeley Dining has a strong commitment to offering our students healthy and nutritious plant-based options, as well as engaging with our students in the process.”
UC Berkeley is the first school in the University of California system to partner with HSUS and commit to serving more plant-based items on campus.
Many other colleges and foodservice providers have also partnered with HSUS in the past. Penn State is currently working with the organization to make 35% of its entrees served on campus be plant-based by 2025. Elior, Aramark, Sodexo and Whitsons Culinary Group have all partnered with HSUS to expand their plant-based options.