November is World Vegan month and Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) will celebrate it by hosting a vegan dinner event. Through it, we hope to educate the public on veganism while also introducing students to meals free of animal products. 

 

"The event is an opportunity to highlight current vegan offerings and try new vegan menu items," said Alexa Schmidt, RD, CDN. 

 

The dinner will take place on November 5, in the College-in-the-Woods (CIW) dining hall. From 5-8:30 p.m., the menu will include cheesecakes, lentil penne ala vodka, tofu yakitori, among many other vegan options. Additionally, CIW's Gifts from the Garden will offer South West sweet potato toast and roasted brussels sprouts with mushrooms. This exclusively vegan station is available year-round and offers diverse options that contribute to a well-balanced diet. 

 

Sean Sculley, College-in-the-Woods executive chef, and Schmidt developed the meals for the celebration. The two designed dishes that would delight students' taste buds while also satisfying their nutritional needs.

 

 "A vegan diet can meet all your nutritional needs, but it is important to know what to include and where you can find it," Schmidt said.

 

BUDS continues to pursue ways to meet the dietary needs of each student. Not only in November but every day, we strive to make everyone feel included. During the year, we offer themed events that focus on our students' backgrounds and lifestyles. Regardless of the event, we continuously provide vegan options. Through this, we aspire to create a sense of home every time a student visits our dining halls. 

 

"We are always working to enhance the offerings and World Vegan Day is another chance to provide education in a way that is hands-on," Schmidt said. "Read about it, talk about it, try it!"