EVANSTON, Ill. (STMW) – For the second consecutive year, Northwestern University has been selected by peta2, an affiliate of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, as the most vegan-friendly college in the small U.S. schools category.

The award comes after an online student vote and independent assessment of the quality and quantity of vegan dining options offered by nuCusine, the University’s dining service contractor operated by Sodexo, Inc., a release from Northwestern said.

“The dining services department reports that between 35 and 55 percent of students select a vegetarian or vegan entrée every day,” the peta2 assessment said. “With options such as tofu French toast, country-fried seitan steak with vegan mashed potatoes and vegan curried tofu with jasmine rice, it’s easy to see why.”

Also cited was Northwestern’s participation in “Meatless Monday,” a weekly program that encourages all students to choose a non-meat entrée one day per week.

“We are thrilled to be recognized this way for the second year in a row,” Richard Thomas, executive director of Norris University Center and Student Auxiliary Services, said. “The population of students who prefer to eat vegan grows each year so we need to ensure our food program meets their needs.”

“Vegan options are not just for those who identify as vegan,” Thomas said, praising the nuCuisine culinary team for its work in making Northwestern vegan friendly. “The culinary team does a great job of creating vegan options that appeal to everyone.”

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2010. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)