This is the most ambitious plant-based goal ever adopted by a higher education institution in partnership with the nonprofit Humane World for Animals.
DENTON, Texas — The University of North Texas pledged to make 60% of its campus dining options plant-based by 2027, according to Humane World for Animals.
The 60% goal is the most ambitious ever adopted by a higher education institution, according to the nonprofit. The university’s existing all-vegan dining hall, Mean Greens Café, is a cornerstone of the plant-based protein initiative, Humane World for Animals said in a press release. The dining hall has been open since 2011 and serves 11,000 students and staff every day.
“The University of North Texas Dining Services is dedicated to providing diverse, plant-forward dining options that promote student health and well-being while fostering a culture of sustainability,” Matthew Ward, executive chef of residential dining at UNT, said.
The food service innovation team at Humane World for Animals evaluated UNT’s dining program in August 2024, according to the release. After the evaluation, UNT signed the forward food pledge, cementing its commitment to increasing meat-free, plant-based options.
UNT was previously recognized for its efforts to increase the availability of plant-based meals in the Humane World for Animal’s College and University Protein Sustainability Scorecard. UNT ranked second in the nation behind the University of Colorado Boulder and just above the University of Texas Austin.
