It’s unfortunate NIU dining halls do not offer students more vegetarian options, especially since the alternatives are simple and healthy (“Value vegetarian minority,” 10/13/05).

Options for serving vegetarian foods have never been more plentiful.

Even most restaurants – from fast-food chains like Taco Bell to four-star gourmet restaurants – offer vegetarian choices. And a wealth of vegetarian alternatives – including patties, nuggets, soups, milks, bacon, sausages and even drumsticks – can replace animal product counterparts in any recipe.

What’s more, vegetarian foods cut cholesterol and fat while preventing animal suffering.

Dining officials would best serve students by offering nutritious, humane meal choices everyone can enjoy.

Erin Williams

Washington D.C.