Published on October 17, 2013 | by Kevin Nwankwo Photography by Hannah Satherstrom
0On-campus farmers’ market marks World Vegetarian Day
To celebrate World Vegetarian Day, the Humber Students’ Federation (HSF) held a festival promoting the healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle of vegetarianism.
For the event, Oct. 3, 2013 in the Humber Food Emporium, HSF partnered with the Sustainability department to share the values of vegetarianism and eco-friendliness with the Humber community.
Vendors including the Toronto Vegetarian Association, Square Snacks, Canadian Pie Company, Ella’s Bontanicals, and Mercy for Animals were on hand to educate students on their products and services.
Lorraine Fortier, a representative of the Toronto Vegetarian Association and who has been a vegetarian for 20 years, knows from first-hand experience that there are many benefits to vegetarianism. “You feel great, it helps keep your weight off, and your body is eating good nutritious food.”
Still, Fortier understands the difficulty of adapting to vegetarianism. “I think it’s important to just bring awareness to vegetarianism.
“I hope [students just] get interested in vegetarianism. They can check our website (www.veg.ca) and maybe try for themselves by staring meat-free one day a week,” said Fortier.
A farmers’ market at the event showed students healthier alternatives; vendors gave away healthy foods including apples, carrots and corn.
Mellissa Khaui, HSF Services Co-ordinator, and Lindsay Walker, Sustainability Manager, came up with the idea of the farmers’ market together. “It was important for us to bring this idea to life and give free produce to students,” said Khaui.
Alicia Toseph, a Humber student volunteer at the farmers’ market, said that eating healthy foods, exercising and living an overall healthy lifestyle is beneficial. “Instead of eating all those greasy foods, turn to vegetables and salad.”
Emily Eyre and Amelia Velasco, members of the Humber Sustainability department, were also at the event to invite students to a Sustainability Strategy Engagement Day, at the main concourse in Humber on Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Students will be able to give input on Humber’s direction. Eyre believes that this is one way that students can help our eco-system. “Participate in our committees, help us decide what we can do next that is realistic. Students have great ideas; bring them to us.”
In September 2012, Humber committed to the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS), which rates the sustainability of universities and colleges in North, Central and South America. Humber is the only college in Canada with a silver rating.
Velasco hopes that students learn the benefits of vegetarianism for the eco-system. “We’re hoping that they’re going to learn the impact that being a vegetarian has on the environment. Eating a lot of meat has caused a lot of pollution.”
About the Author
Kevin Nwankwo is a third-year Media Studies student at the University of Guelph-Humber specializing in Journalism. He hopes to pursue a career in either the print or television broadcast industries.
