In response to the Veda Club’s comments about the reduction of their vegan lunch schedule, a University spokesperson has said the clubs who provide vegan lunches, Veda Club and Sustainability Network, have been allowed to operate at their “original practice of two days per week”.
According to the University, the clubs requested to increase their combined vegan lunch schedule to four days per week. The University’s student engagement team agreed to this schedule solely for the week commencing 2 May as part of their overall campaign to celebrate the return of students and staff to campus.
But given the pressure on campus food vendors, the clubs were advised that from the week commencing 9 May, the schedule should stay on “the original two days per week cycle at the city campus”.
The University spokesperson says that while the University supports student club activity and the development of student culture, “the volume and frequency of these activities needs to be balanced with consideration for the numerous food outlets already on campus, who are committed to providing service every day, throughout the year including non-teaching weeks”.
However, the University also “recognises and supports that good, affordable food options should be available for students”. They continue to monitor retail trends and student preferences, conducting regular talks with prospective retailers about coming to campus to keep variety and choices for students.
For students looking to purchase affordable and dietary-friendly food options on campus, the University spokesperson recommends shops like Munchy Mart, which “offer a wide range of food types at terrific prices”. Students who follow a plant-based diet are advised to check out Tart, the newly-opened vegan bakery, which is “proving immediately popular with students”.