NIU group educates on vegetarianism

By Terry Sanchez

At the mere mention of vegetarianism many people think of militant animal rights activists beating up Ronald McDonald, but the new student organization VEG would like to change that image.

Mitch Tollerud, president of VEG, is interested in serving the campus and community by teaching people the benefits of vegetarianism on the environment, personal health and other animals.

Tollerud stresses the fact that everyone is welcome to attend meetings and encourages people to have an open mind.

“It’s not required that you be an environmentalist, animal rights activist or even a vegetarian,” he said. “A few of our members aren’t even vegetarians.”

Tollerud said the group’s goal is to inform people who are hoping to lead a healthier lifestyle through vegetarianism. In other words, they’re here to teach, not to preach.

Members of VEG are busy organizing events such as nutrition seminars, guest speakers, cooking demonstrations, potlucks and information tables to spread their message.

Representatives of the group will be at today’s NIU Wellness Fair from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Duke Ellington Ballroom.

VEG holds weekly meetings at 9 p.m. every Tuesday in the Holmes Student Center.

Anyone interested in joining VEG or learning more about vegetarianism is encouraged to call Tollerud at 756-7089.