DENTON (UNT), Texas — The University of North Texas is taking its commitment to sustainability further by setting a bold goal: making 60% of campus dining options plant-based by 2027. UNT Dining Services formalized this pledge after earning national recognition for its efforts to offer more plant-based meals and reduce reliance on animal products.

This commitment follows UNT’s recent ranking as the No. 2 largest self-operated university on the College and University Protein Sustainability Scorecard, which evaluates plant-based dining initiatives at institutions across the country.

“UNT Dining Services is dedicated to providing plant-forward dining options that promote student health and sustainability,” said Matthew Ward, executive chef of residential dining at UNT. “By broadening our plant-based offerings, we’re making it easier for all students to access delicious, nutritious and environmentally friendly meals." 

UNT has long been a national leader in plant-based dining. Mean Greens Café, the country’s first all-vegan university dining hall, has been serving the campus community since 2011. Additionally, UNT is ranked 1st in Texas for best college food by Niche.com for the past three years and 2nd nationally for the best college food by Delish.com. Today, Mean Greens Café welcomes up to 1,000 patrons daily and serves as a hub for culinary innovation, sustainability initiatives and student engagement.

The university worked with Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States, to assess its dining program as part of the sustainability scorecard evaluation. Following the review, UNT Dining Services signed the Forward Food Pledge to continue expanding its plant-based menu offerings.

“UNT has demonstrated remarkable leadership in sustainable dining,” said Liz Clark, food service innovation coordinator at Humane World for Animals. “We’re excited to see how they continue to innovate and set an example for universities nationwide.”

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.