University of Michigan

A-

470 Points

The University of Michigan has partnered with Humane World for Animals, pledging to increase plant-based dining options to 55% (they are currently at 47%). Through Menus for Change, UMich will pilot two studies—Diet Diversity and Serving Up Plants By Design—during the next academic year. The university emphasizes a whole-foods approach, favoring minimally processed ingredients over more refined alt-proteins.

53.0%

of yearly food purchases are on animal-based products.

formal commitment(s) to reducing food-related impact on the planet.

1.0

plant-based mains served at dinner on average per week at each dining hall.

5/5

labeling & naming quality rating

Student Pictures and Testimonials

Testimonials and Reviews

Find out what people have to say about University of Michigan's plant-based progress.

Anonymous

Michigan Student

When i had a dining hall plan,, most days it was a gamble on if there would be a good consistent vegetarian meal, and I found myself mostly going for the pasta or salads, rather than the plant based substitute they had on hand, which was mostly tempeh or seitan, both of which were nowhere near as appetizing. More plant based options would hopefully make the food taste more towards how it was intended to taste, all while still being vegetarian.

Anonymous

Michigan Student

Beyond ethical considerations, I think that eating a mostly plant diet can be much healthier than consuming animal products. Plant-based options are also able to meet almost every dietary restriction (other than vegan/vegetarian, they are also kosher and halal for the most part i believe) which these other options are often lacking in dining halls.

Anonymous

Michigan Student

I think meat tastes good and is hard to replace in taste. I fully understand that animal welfare and climate change is endangered, but I think (selfishly) it's too big of a sacrifice of quality of life. I understand that there are more solutions that make animals better, much like fracking for mining, which makes me feel better.

Anonymous

Michigan Student

The only strawberries they have are frozen! And the fruit is not all that, I just wish they had more readily available fruits for snacking on or having in small quantities.

Anonymous

Michigan Student

The school should expand the availability of plant-based options, it is very hard to have a healthy diet while relying on the school dining halls.

Anonymous

Michigan Student

Making plant-based foods more available might increase plant-based consumption and decrease meat consumption, improving the average ecological footprint.