SEO: Vegetarianism gains popularity in College Park Vegetarian trends seen on and around campus Terps voice opinions

about meat-free movement

By Jessica Schram Merchants and information booths lined the outskirts of the venue while Silverstein fans maneuvered through the congested, rowdy audience. Although the thumping bass muted the sound of the vendors, the image Daniel Berman saw at the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals table seemed to squeal from a distance. As Berman walked toward the picture of the mutilated cow, his eyes widened with disbelief. It was then when the future Terp made a life-changing decision. Daniel Berman became a vegetarian. Berman, now a senior neuropsychology major,
Daniel Berman says its easy for him to find meat-free snacks in Commons 7 lounges. Photo by Jessica Schram

is one of many students who have made the switch to a meatless diet. Over the past six years that Ive been vegetarian, a lot of my buddies have lessened their amount of meat consumption, too, Berman said. Marriott Management Dining Services, a powerhouse that feeds more than 550 colleges across the country, also notices the rise in vegetarianism. According to U.S. News & World Report, student demands for meatless entres are increasing so rapidly that Marriott dietitians work overtime to keep up.

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Schram, Vegetarians, p.2 Although the collegiate vegetarian movement is gaining momentum, some students are still skeptical of the meatless lifestyle. Skeptics spur campus change What do they eat for protein? Don't they miss steak? Sophomore communication major Alexa Williams asks. I respect [vegetarians] decision, but I just dont get how they eat vegetables all the time. Another skeptic is sophomore kinesiology major Adam Ralston, who says he could never be a vegetarian because of his love for bacon.

I just dont get how they eat vegetables all the time
Alexa Williams, sophomore
communication major

Colleen Wright-Riva, director of Dining Services, is well aware of the growth of vegetarianism on campus and says she is working with her team to combat student concerns regarding tasteless meat-free food. We increased our [vegetarian] product offerings at both dining halls and installed a new, larger salad station at 251 North, Wright-Riva said, noting the 2013 addition of the Special Diets Advisory Board. Vegetarianism expands off campus In addition to influencing university Dining Services to increase vegetarian options, skeptics have also caused restaurant owner and 23-yearvegetarian Derrick Chang to bring meatless cuisine to the surrounding community. (more)

Schram, Vegetarians, p.3 Changs latest restaurant, Ovo Simply Veggie on Route 1 between Knox and Hartwick Roads, is the first eatery in town to offer a full vegetarian menu. When I saw the opportunity I just couldnt wait! Chang said enthusiastically, adding that he took advantage of the lack of meat-free eateries in College Park. Chang explained that Ovo is his way of making a statement. Vegetarian food does not have to be bland and it does not have to be just salad, he
Derrick Chang, owner of Ovo Simply Veggie, stands in front of his restaurant menuthe first of its kind to hit College Park. Photo by Jessica Schram

said. I want to share with the masses what vegetarian food can be.

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