People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) recently released a review of four-year colleges and universities in the United States and their friendliness towards the dietary needs of vegans. Lakeland’s ranking was quite low on PETA’s scale.
Mark Wagner, the Director of Dining Services, stated, “We have a few students that are gluten-free but no vegans or vegetarians that I am aware of. We provide special meals for the students we are aware of. They come into the back kitchen area to pick up their food.” Wagner also wanted everyone to know his office is open to anyone who has special dietary needs. And that Joe Johnson’s office is also open to students. There is always a salad bar available, and one or two vegetarian choices on the menu every day.
“I would like it if the students would come to let me know if they want changes or new items offered on the menu. I am very open to changes. I want the students happy with our services.” Wagner commented. From what Wagner knows, the current students he has with specific dietary needs are happy with what the Lakeland dining service makes for their meals.
An article by USA Today popularized PETA’s vegan-friendly ratings of the schools. Lakeland has one of the lowest rankings in the nation for a college or university that provides food alternatives for students such as vegans, vegetarians, gluten free and the like.
In the poll, Lakeland received a grade of “F” on the classic “report card” grading scale. PETA said on their site, “This school failed to respond to our vegan-food survey requests, so this assessment is based on public information records and student feedback about vegan options on campus.”
Someone who went by the name of Tom Rider posted an opinion about this on the poll from the PETA website. He said, “This is not true…they are very vegan friendly and will accommodate any special dietary needs. Did USA Today even contact these colleges and university food service directors when writing this story? I think not.”
On the flip side of the coin, sophomore Arielle Kohls stated, “I’m not a vegan, vegetarian, etc. Yet, I don’t eat the line food at Lakeland either. I avoid it like the plague because it has made me sick from day one. There are no accommodations that Lakeland can make for me. The food simply makes me sick. So I have the lowest meal plan, with the most Muskie Mart money. I shop in town, and buy and cook my own food. So realistically, my needs aren’t being met.”
If there are any students who have dietary needs not currently being addressed by the food service Lakeland provides, Mark Wagner stresses that he wants to meet with those students, and help them have what they need on campus for their meals.
PETA’s results for Lakeland College can be found at www.peta2.com/feature/vegan-college-ranking/college/lakeland-college/#ixzz2j4Tcqh9n.