DENTON, Texas (Feb. 25, 2025) –The University of North Texas has officially signed the Forward Food Pledge, setting an unprecedented goal to make 60% of its campus dining options plant-based by 2027. This is the most ambitious plant-based goal ever adopted by a higher education institution in partnership with Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States.
This bold commitment follows UNT's recent recognition in the College and University Protein Sustainability Scorecard, in which the university ranked second among the nation's largest self-operated institutions. The scorecard, compiled by Humane World for Animals, evaluates the efforts of universities to increase plant-based meal options and reduce reliance on animal products. evaluates universities based on their efforts to increase plant-based meal options and reduce reliance on animal products, highlighting UNT's dedication to sustainability and student health.
A cornerstone of UNT's plant-based dining initiative is Mean Greens Café, the nation's first all-vegan university dining hall which has served the campus community since 2011. In recent years, the café, which serves up to 1,000 patrons daily, has become a testing site and launch pad for culinary innovations, sustainability initiatives, and student engagement strategies—positioning UNT as a national leader in these areas.
Matthew Ward, executive chef of residential dining at UNT, emphasized the value of the university's commitment: "The University of North Texas Dining Services is dedicated to providing diverse, plant-forward dining options that promote student health and well-being while fostering a culture of sustainability. By prioritizing a variety of plant-based foods, we aim to accommodate dietary preferences, enhance inclusivity, and ensure all students have access to nutritious, eco-friendly meals."
UNT’s journey toward its 60% commitment began in August 2024, when members of the food service innovation team at Humane World for Animals carried out an evaluation of the UNT dining program for the organization’s sustainability scorecard. After the FSI team visited UNT’s campus, UNT formalized its dedication to plant-based dining by signing the Forward Food pledge upon the scorecard’s publication.
Liz Clark, food service innovation coordinator at Humane World for Animals, expressed her gratitude for UNT’s leadership: “It has been an honor to work with chef Matthew Ward and director of communications and guest experience Kerri Sallusti to publicize the amazing culinary initiatives in place at the University of North Texas. Every interaction with their dining team has been insightful and inspiring for us. We expect a very positive and productive collaboration in the coming years.”
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About Humane World for Animals
Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work happening in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals—formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International—addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering. As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruelest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world. humaneworld.org
- Carson Baer