Gourmet Dining Services announced its "Meatless Monday" initiative that will offer an increased amount of vegetarian meals every Monday at Seton Hall University, according to a news release from the Humane Society of the United States.
GDS has partnered with the Humane Society to provide students, faculty and staff with healthy and sustainable food in the caf, according to the release.
"GDS has been a wonderful partner in creating a more humane and sustainable world," said Director of Corporate Policy for the Humane Society of the United States, Josh Balk. "They should get a lot of applause."
The Humane Society has partnered with GDS for the last year and a half, according to Balk.
Seton Hall is one of many schools that will be participating in "Meatless Monday" with GDS. Others include New Jersey Institute of Technology, Kean University and Caldwell Community College.
"Dozens and dozens of schools are participating in meatless Monday," Balk said. "It's pretty interesting."
According to Balk, being a vegetarian every Monday will make a tremendous difference.
"By participating in ‘Meatless Mondays' everyone can help improve animal welfare while also saving money," Balk said.
Balk said the initiative has many benefits, one being the environment.
"When we eat lower on the food chain, we conserve resources," Balk said. "I would say the effort is a fun and encouraging way to help people make a choice that is more humane," Balk said.
According to Balk, this initiative not only helps animals but is healthy for individuals.
The news release said those who eat fewer animal products have lower rates of weight gain, dementia, arthritis and other health problems.
Balk said this initiative is not meant to be pushed on people.
"It isn't about being the big brother; it is about helping guide people."
Ashley Duvall can be reached at ashley.duvall@student.shu.edu.
