Most Vegetarian-Friendly Cafeterias

By Pulin Modi

Let's not kid ourselves here. School cafeterias are pretty notorious for offering less-than-amazing foods. They'll serve up trays of meat pretty much every day, so it's often a challenge to find healthy, humane meals. What's up with that?

Thankfully, schools are realizing the need for change, and progress is being made! We decided to highlight some cafeterias that have gone above and beyond to offer students meals that are animal-friendly, easier on the environment, and healthier too!

We're thinking that students at these schools don't look at lunchtime as just a break from academic life, because it's a chance to actually enjoy a meal with friends and recharge for the rest of the day.

Top Five Public School Districts in the U.S.

Berkeley Unified
With daily vegetarian options such as Indian-style tofu, vegetarian chicken patties, barbecue tofu, and more, it's no surprise that this school district made the list.

Cambridge Public Schools
It must be pretty awesome to go to a school where veggie wraps and veggie chili are among the regular choices for students.

Dekalb County Schools
Georgia may not be a stereotypically vegetarian-friendly state, but Dekalb offers students lots of tasty options, such as teriyaki veggie burgers and veggie tacos.

Orange County Public Schools Sounding more like a restaurant than a cafeteria, the options here include a veggie barbecue rib sandwich, lo mein noodles, and vegetarian fajitas.

Pasco County Schools
Students can enjoy a hummus platter or veggie barbecue rib sandwich here. Well, that is, unless they prefer a veggie burger instead. Yum!

Top Five Private Schools in the U.S.

Albuquerque Academy
Representing for New Mexico, this school offers its students barbecue tofu bites, vegetarian Frito pie, and Thai tofu.

The Calhoun School
Most of the cafeteria's sandwiches and soups are vegetarian, and there are lots of great vegetable dishes too. Simple, yet consistent!

The Colorado Springs School
If you don't think grilled tofu ciabatta, tempeh and onion kaiser, and red pepper hummus with pita sound incredible, then I might think that you're out of your mind.

Rockland Country Day School
This school prides itself on offering environmentally friendly vegetarian options at every meal. Options include curries, pasta dishes, and a salad bar.

Sidwell Friends School
First off, it has something called "Ragin' Cajun Tofu Sauce." That should be its claim to fame, not some celebrity kids! Secondly, the daily vegan and vegetarian options often include avocado and organic grilled balsamic wraps, curries, and lots more. So that's cool too.

Top Five Schools in Canada

Branksome Hall
My mouth is watering as I think about the school's sweet and sour vegetarian meatballs, marinated black-bean tofu, and vegetarian chili.

Elmwood School
The vegetarian menu at this school includes tofu nuggets as well as vegetable and chickpea whole-wheat pasta, among other fantastic cholesterol-free dishes.

Moscrop Secondary
Thai noodle salad? Veggie burgers? Vegetable spring rolls? Check. Check. Check. Sweet!

St. Michael's University School
In addition to offering soy milk for students, this school has been known to serve up vegetarian bacon, veggie hot dogs, and ratatouille.

Trafalgar Castle School
Students here can (and do) enjoy tofu kabobs, veggie dogs and burgers, and grilled pepper wraps!