Published Letters and Op-Eds from
COK’s Writers Group

Re: Many Students Choose Vegetarianism

Dear Dawgnet,

Corin Reade’s Sept. 18 article, “Many students choose vegetarianism,” rightly notes that college cafeterias should expand their menus to meet the growing demand for meat-free meals. In fact, a 2004 study conducted by food service provider Aramark revealed that 25% of U.S. college students consider themselves vegetarian or vegan.

A vegetarian diet not only reduces our risk heart disease and various cancers, as well as the dreaded freshman fifteen, it’s also an easy and effective way to reduce animal suffering. With virtually no laws to protect them, every year billions of farmed animals are routinely treated in ways that would lead to prosecution if those same abuses were inflicted upon cats or dogs. Egg-laying hens, for example, spend nearly their entire lives crammed inside wire cages so small, they can’t even spread their wings. And it’s standard practice for male cows and pigs to be castrated without any pain relief.

By choosing vegetarian foods, we can help clear our arteries and our conscience—one bite at a time. For a free vegetarian starter guide, free recipes, and tips for vegan eating on a budget, visit www.TryVeg.com.

Sincerely,
Erica Meier
Executive Director
Compassion Over Killing