Founded in 1861, Vassar College, a residential, coeducational liberal arts college has consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the US. This fall, students at Vassar are working hard to join other colleges and universities in the country in introducing Meatless Mondays at the All Campus Dining Center (ACDC). The key players in this campaign are members of the Vassar Animal Rescue Coalition (VARC) who raise awareness of the healthier diet by passing out flyers, tabling at the ACDC on Mondays, gathering pledges, and placing signs on vegetarian and vegan items at the ACDC. The VARC advocates the plant-based diet to protect the rights of animals. “Studies have shown people are more likely to actually do something they say they're going to if they commit by physically signing a piece of paper or verbally agreeing,” explained Alan Darer, vegan President of the VARC. “Second, we'd like to present the signatures to the administration and to Dining Services and say, ‘Look at all the support we have.'” In order to have Meatless Mondays more widespread throughout the campus, members of the VARC plan to meet with President of the College, Catharine Bond Hill, to have her sign the pledge, along with goals to expand the campaign to other organizations. “I think that way we can say that Vassar is going meatless on Mondays, rather than just Vassar students,” said Darer. Good luck, Alan Darer and all members of Vassar Animal Rescue Coalition, on your campaign to improve the health of all students at Vassar College, as well as to protect the lives of our animal friends. BM
