We all know that animals feel pain and joy, but did you know that cafeteria workers do, too? That's right! These tips will make your cafeteria staff feel appreciated and supported as they provide you with more and more vegan options.
Comment Cards
Most campus cafeterias solicit feedback from students in the form of comment cards placed on tables or near the cafeteria exits. Take the time at the end of each meal to write some quick comments about how much you have enjoyed the latest vegan selection. Encourage other people to do the same. If many people write in praise of a particular item, you can be sure the cafeteria will serve it again.
Favorite Recipe Letters
Encourage the members of your organization to send their favorite vegan recipes to the cafeteria officials. This is an excellent way of demonstrating to cafeteria officials the immense variety of vegan dishes. Don't be afraid to send your most exotic recipes; the cafeteria staff can adapt your recipes to fit their systems.
Host a Vegan Banquet
Show the cafeteria staff that vegan meals are healthful and delicious. Host a vegan banquet for cafeteria staff, chefs, and pertinent administrators at which you serve dishes to accommodate every taste preference. Explain that vegans enjoy the same foods as everyone else, just made with different ingredients.
Student Petition
In addition to being the most effective way to demonstrate broad-based student support for your campaign, petitions are an excellent opportunity to educate other students about veganism. Most people, regardless of their dietary habits, are in favor of more options in their dining halls. Make it clear that your petition aims to increase variety and it will be well received. For tips on how to petition, consult the "Big Book of College Activism."
Representative of Food Service Committee
Show the administration that you are committed to working for change within the system. Establish one or more of your organization's members on the Food Service Committee and your organization will be able to include vegan options as a part of every policy of the cafeteria.
Want hands-on advice on how to organize a letter-writing campaign, a student petition, or other campaign tactics? Then check out the "Big Book of College Activism."
