Universities Should Lead on the Plant-Based Dietary Transition

Universities shape future leaders and influence societal norms. As hubs of research and innovation, they can actively lead the transition toward plant-based diets—a shift backed by growing scientific evidence on sustainability, public health, and environmental responsibility.

Campus food systems actively influence behavior. The meals universities choose to serve clearly signal what they consider normal, responsible, and forward-looking ways of living.

Why Food Choices Matter

Animal-based food production is closely linked to major global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, and excessive use of land and water. It also contributes to environmental pollution and poses risks to public health.

Despite these concerns, many university dining halls remain heavily focused on meat and dairy. This approach reinforces outdated food norms at a time when evidence clearly points to the need for change.

Universities as Leaders in Change

Universities can drive meaningful progress by rethinking how food is offered on campus. Expanding plant-based options, introducing plant-forward defaults, and adjusting procurement policies are practical steps that can significantly reduce environmental impact without limiting choice.

When plant-based meals are made accessible, attractive, and visible, students and staff are more likely to choose them — often without resistance.

Benefits for Health and Operations

Plant-based diets are associated with improved health outcomes and can help support long-term well-being. From an institutional perspective, plant-based meals can also be cost-effective and easier to scale across large dining operations.

Universities that have already adopted plant-based initiatives show that small, structured changes can lead to meaningful reductions in meat consumption.

Setting the Standard

Food policies reflect institutional values. By actively supporting a plant-based transition, universities demonstrate leadership on sustainability, health, and evidence-based decision-making.

The choices made on campus today shape the habits and values of tomorrow’s graduates. Universities that lead by example can play a powerful role in building a more sustainable future.

For more details, see: Krattenmacher, J., Casal, P., Dutkiewicz, J., Huchard, E., Sanders, E., et al. (2023). Universities should lead the plant-based dietary transition. The Lancet Planetary Health, 7(5), e354–e355.

https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(23)00082-7