VegeProject University
We support universities, cafeteria operators, and students working to introduce vegan and plant-based menu options in university cafeterias.
What Is VegeProject University?
VegeProject University is a project to make vegan and plant-based meals available in university cafeterias.
As achieved at the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and other institutions, students at each university take the lead in reaching out to fellow students and cafeteria staff. VegeProject supports universities, cafeteria staff, and committed students.
Introducing vegan and plant-based menus at university cafeterias not only allows vegan and vegetarian students to use the cafeterias; it also gives other students an opportunity to try the foods and learn about the impact of our food choices.
Support from VegeProject
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Consultation
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Introducing ingredients and supporting
meetings with cafeteria staff -
Promotion on social media and the web
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Vegan certification (if requested by the cafeteria)
Example of Participating Universities
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Kyoto University
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The University of Tokyo
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Hitotsubashi University
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Kyushu University
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Tohoku University
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Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
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Osaka University
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Kobe University
The Story of VegeProject at Kyoto University
In 2013, Haruko Kawano, then a student, began working to introduce vegan options at Kyoto University cafeterias.
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Sharing the Value of Vegan Options and Holding a Vegan Tasting Event for Decision-Makers
We explained the importance of and demand for vegan options to those who were responsible for the co-op cafeterias. Later, to demonstrate that vegan food could be varied and delicious, co-op staff and VegeProject members dined together at a vegan restaurant.
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Survey on Demand for Vegan Menu Options
To assess demand and develop appealing dishes, we conducted a survey. We analyzed responses from 525 people and presented the findings to the co-op.
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Decision to Hold “Vege Week”
After numerous discussions with co-op staff, meetings with vegan chefs, and tastings, the co-op decided to hold “Vege Week,” a one-week trial featuring vegan menu items in its cafeterias!
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Vege Week Menu Finalized
Following some tastings, the Vege Week menu was finalized. Every dish was adjusted to meet vegan requirements and contain no animal-derived ingredients.
Confirmed “Vege Menu” items: Soy Meat Shogayaki Rice Bowl; Vegan Curry; Soy Milk and Vegetable Stew; Dressed Yuba, Spinach, and Shimeji Mushrooms; and Soy Meat Karaage
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Vege Week Begins
On the first day of Vege Week, VegeProject served samples of Soy Meat Karaage to students at the cafeteria. They were very well received, with comments such as “Delicious!” and “It tastes just like real meat!”
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Book Display at the Co-op
To coincide with Vege Week, a selection of books on veganism was displayed at the co-op bookstore.
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Vegan Menu Proves Popular
The dishes were more popular than the co-op had anticipated, and ingredients had to be restocked several times!
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Signature Campaign to Make Vege Menu Permanent
We collected signatures calling for Vege Menu to become a permanent offering. The petition received 1,008 signatures.
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Initiative Featured in the Kyoto Shimbun Newspaper
The Kyoto University VegeProject was featured in a two-page spread in the Kyoto Shimbun newspaper.
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Vegan Items Added to the Official Co-op Menu
In November 2014, vegan dishes were officially registered as co-op menu items.
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Vegan Menu Items Become Regular Offerings!
Even after the dishes were officially registered, they were not necessarily served regularly. We continued supporting their regular availability through repeated test-cooking sessions and discussions.
Beginning May 16, 2016, Vege Menu dishes became regular offerings at seven co-op cafeterias.
For questions about VegeProject University
or internships,
please contact us at:
saiyou@vegeproject.org