I would like to thank Bri Julius for her accurate, informative column on vegetarianism and veganism. I was gratified to see her highlight both the nutritional and animal welfare reasons for switching to plant-based diets. I do, however, take issue with one point. The column suggests that it is hard to be vegan in DeKalb, but that has not been my experience. I became vegan before coming to NIU three years ago and have had no problem maintaining a vegan diet during that time. Many local restaurants in the area have a number of vegan options readily available and, when necessary, are more than willing to make vegan substitutions for certain animal ingredients when asked. Both Rosita’s and Eduardo’s, for example, offer vegan refried beans (which can be ordered in place of rice, since the rice is cooked in chicken stock) and have many dishes that can be prepared vegan. The Thai Pavillion has many dishes which are already vegan and the staff is more than willing to cook dishes sans meat, fish sauce, etcetera. Pita Pete’s makes delicious vegan falafel and hummus pitas. Taxco Mexican Restaurant in Sycamore has an entire vegan menu upon request.

As for vegan grocery shopping, most major chains, such as Schnuck’s and Jewel, provide plenty of vegan options. For more specialty items, food in bulk or for those who like to patronize local businesses, Duck Soup Coop offers an extensive variety for vegan foods and ingredients, as well as locally-grown organic produce.

NIU’s Vegetarian Education Group [VEG] provides NIU students free, accurate nutritional information about plant-based diets and is currently working on a dining guide that rates local restaurants in terms of their vegan-friendliness. Anyone interested in learning more about vegan and vegetarian diets, or wishing to fraternize with other vegans or vegetarians, can e-mail niuveg@gmail.com to be added to our e-newsletter list for updates on meetings and events. VEG is also looking for student input and help putting together our dining guide, so feel free to e-mail us about that also.

Jacob Park, senior English major
Vegetarian Education Group Vice President

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