The month of November is vegan month, and the concepts of veganism, or even vegetarianism are commonly misunderstood. Though it is vegan month, vegetarianism is a much more common lifestyle choice.

Not eating, wearing, or using any product that could have come from an animal would be considered veganism, whereas not eating any meat, including seafood, is vegetarianism. Though some people may think that people choose to live like this because they are “crazy animal activists", there are many reasons why people are vegan or vegetarian. Religious purposes, different morals, or growing up with the distaste for meat are some.

“Originally, I started being a vegetarian because of the texture and smell of meat. It has always grossed me out,” English teacher Alice Pleasants said. “But as I’ve gotten older, I have become more aware of the way that food animals are raised and their impact on their environment.”

Others found influence from other vegetarians. “I’ve been a vegetarian for three years,” said junior Emma Thoden. “I started because my sister and best friend were doing it, so I thought I’d try it. They’ve quit since then, though.”

People who choose this lifestyle argue that schools don’t offer many choices for vegans or vegetarians. There is usually salad, cheese pizza, or peanut butter and jelly offered, but these aren't the healthiest of choices. While students who eat meat have many options to choose from, vegetarians can choose from a slice of pizza and a bag of chips, which aren’t really healthy or fair options.

“The salad bar is a nice choice,” junior Caithie Crandall said. “But eating the same thing every day gets kind of boring.”

“The options we have stink,” Thoden said. “The pre-packaged PB&J’s get really old; warm food would be nice.”

Vegetarians argue that vegetarian-friendly meals should be offered in the cafeteria, both for people who don’t eat meat or for those who’d prefer a meat-free meal some days. There are many options that are just as easy, or even easier than those with meat in them.

“Grilled cheeses and quesadillas could be made without meat,” junior Gini Barrett said. “There are also some simple options like fake meat products and vegetable products.”

Thoden suggested, “Instead of the pizza, they could serve veggie chicken substitutes or vegetarian lasagna or something.”

Cafeteria manager Kay Stone said that the cafeteria has tried to make things both ways, such as grilled cheese without ham, but it didn’t go over well. She also said that they do offer meals for vegetarians such as the salad bar, tuna fish, and sometimes turkey sandwiches. “Some vegetarians aren’t as strong as others,” she said. “Those vegetarians will eat turkey.”

Offering meat-free choices more often would make vegetarians happier, and also give all other students more options for their lunch. Making simple vegetarian meals is a suggestion that would be beneficial for students.