RIVERSIDE, Calif.—Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, and the University of California Riverside hosted a plant-based event on campus that featured samples of Sticky Sesame Tempeh, giveaways and a survey for students to share feedback about their perceptions around plant-based food. Students gathered to learn how plant-based meals are better for animals, the planet and their health and to celebrate the university’s pledge to serve 50% plant-based meals by 2027.
UCR joins UCLA, UC San Diego and UC Berkeley in signing Humane World’s Forward Food Pledge. Through the collaboration, Humane World for Animals will provide UCR Dining staff with culinary trainings, menu and recipe guidance and climate impact resources designed to help large institutions increase and elevate plant-based offerings while appealing to students.
“We know students care about good food and a healthy planet. That’s why nearly half of our menu is already plant-forward, and we’re excited to grow that to 50% by 2027. It’s one more way UCR Dining is making sustainable choices that matter,” said Lanette Dickerson, director of culinary operations at UC Riverside.
“UC Riverside’s bold commitment shows what’s possible when institutions lead with both purpose and partnership—creating positive change for students, animals, the planet and the food system as a whole,” says Kym Bower, food service innovation specialist at Humane World for Animals. “Together, Humane World for Animals and UCR are helping to shape a more humane, sustainable and delicious future for institutional dining.”
"It's definitely nice to have accessibility to really good plant-based options," said Sanvi Parvatikar, a UCR sophomore.
Worldwide, close to 80 billion farm animals are raised every year for meat, eggs and dairy. Food systems are responsible for roughly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with animal-based foods accounting for about twice the emissions of plant-based foods. Shifting menus and dietary changes towards plant-based options is a powerful climate tool alongside clean energy and waste reduction.
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