There’s probably a world where this kind of news isn’t shocking enough to print, but we aren’t there yet. The University of North Texas, home of the Mean Green (which we argue is a weird mascot, but ok) smack in the steak-loving, cattle ranching, bull riding capital of the country, has opened a vegan dining hall.Vegan. Not just vegetarian, but 100% animal product free vegan. “Mean Greens” opened a week after school opened, and the lines have been snaking out the door. It is reportedly the first full service all vegan college dining hall in the nation.
It’s not just vegans who are looking for some grub at Mean Greens. The dining hall is finding fans among meat eaters too, many of whom are trying to avoid the notorious Freshmen 15 weight gain so common for college students.
"It's healthy. I was trying not to gain the freshman 15, but I actually like it," said Rebecca Arroyo, a freshman from Paris, Texas, who isn't vegan.
The menu includes a lot of vegetable entrees and options, along with vegan sushi bowls, paninis, asparagus soup – even biscuits with chocolate gravy. And, it’s all served up on actual plates, instead of cafeteria trays, which has but both waste and water usage by 40%.
You know who else loves Mean Greens? PETA. The organization gave UNT the Compassionate Campus award this month for responding to student requests and supporting veganism.
Wow, Texas! We thought we knew you, but sometimes you surprise us with your vegan love. Nice work.
