Featured Menu Item of the Week

October is World Vegetarian Month!

Fall is officially here, and what a great time of year it is for FOOD!

We see the fruits of summer’s labor being gathered, and we are able to enjoy the freshness that only comes this time of year from local produce. It is fitting that October 1st is World Vegetarian Day, the beginning to Vegetarian Awareness Month which lasts throughout October. The tradition of a world-recognized day of vegetarianism was started by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977 to help raise awareness while educating individuals on vegetarianism.

Being a vegetarian can mean much more than just not eating meat. The word itself has an interesting history. Until the early 1800’s, vegetarians were referred to as Pythagoreans, after the Greek mathematician Pythagoras who disapproved of eating flesh. It is said that he believed this act deterred from the ability to live to one’s true mental and physical capabilities. Vegetarianism can be traced even farther back to the traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Both religions stress the importance of treating all living things with reverence and consider the act of killing a living being against their basic beliefs. Other religions such as Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Taoism, Baha’i Faith, and Sikhism also have reference to vegetarianism in their teachings. In 1847, attendees at the meeting of the first Vegetarian Society in Ramsgate, England, agreed that a "vegetarian" was a person who refuses to consume flesh of any kind.

This definition is still true today but has been further broken into sub categories of vegetarians. Lacto vegetarians do not eat meat or eggs, but they may consume dairy products. Lacto-ovo vegetarians do not eat meat, but they may consume dairy and eggs. Ovo vegetarians may eat eggs. Vegans avoid all animal products including eggs, milk, cheese, and honey. Vegans avoid eating or using animal products, such as leather, some cosmetics, or any product that was created through the use of any animal or insect. Fruititarians eat only fruit, nuts, seeds, and other plant matter that can be gathered without harming the plant. Pesco/pollo vegetarians will not eat "red meat" but may consume poultry and seafood. This is not true vegetarianism, but it has been referred to as a type of semi-vegetarianism. Flexitarians adhere to a diet that is mostly vegetarian, but they occasionally consume meat.

Taking on a vegetarian diet is a personal choice which can be made for a variety of reasons including nutritional, environmental, social, economical, and spiritual concerns. This month as you make your dining choices, remember that Dining Services offers a variety of vegetarian options, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy options at every meal. Check out our menus at www.unco.edu/dining for a listing of menu options and information.

Each dining location provides a multitude of vegetarian offerings, not only this week, but every week. You can find a vegetarian option offered at every station for lunch and dinner. Menu items change daily, so be sure to look for something new the next time you dine with us. Some exciting vegetarian items being offered this week include:

Tobey-Kendel Dining Room

  • Thursday, 10/1/09 @ Lunch = Pizzeria
    • Cilantro Green Chile Pizza
  • Friday, 10/2/09 @ Dinner = HomePlate
    • Sweet Potato Empanadas

Holmes Dining Hall

  • Monday, 9/28/09 @ Lunch = Wok 'n Roll station
    • Tofu Pad Thai with Green Apple Salad
  • Wednesday, 9/30/09 @ Lunch = Que Pasa
    • Super Spudtacular Bar

University Center Food Court

  • Wednesday, 9/30/09 @ Lunch = The DASH
    • Vegetarian Grilled Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms
  • Thursday, 10/1/09 @ Lunch = The DASH
    • Eggplant Rolatini

Don’t forget to look at our menus to see what other fabulous menu items await you this week. Information gathered from: North American Vegetarian Society, A Vegetarian Sourcebook, Nutrition-Information.net