Cucumber and avocado sushi, Spanish rice casserole, and a vegan cupcake. This is not an average lunch for most high school students. However, for a group of about 50 Franklin students and staff members, this was exactly what was on the menu for Franklin’s first vegetarian and vegan potluck.

A trio from Teresa Bandy’s Wildcat Unity class fist term, Rob Campbell, Jacqui Johnston, and Veronica Rylander, organized the January potluck recognizing and supporting both vegetarians and vegans. It took place during all three lunches in Bandy’s classroom with an enthusiastic group of students.

“We wanted to show how many people were vegetarians at this school and to have a place to sit, talk, and actually have something good to eat,” Campbell said.

There were vegetarians, vegans, and a surprising number of students who were neither, just there to try something new for lunch. Since this was the first luncheon of its kind at Franklin the planners were interested to see how the students would react.

“I wasn’t sure if the turnout would be good, so I was kind of surprised to see so many people taking part in it. I hope we do it again!” organizer Johnston said,

Participants in the potluck considered it a huge success. There were enough store-bought and homemade dishes to supply everyone with a full stomach.

“The organizers of the potluck did a fantastic job,” Bandy said.  “The turnout was tremendous, and it was fun to see all the enthusiasm in the room.  People really seemed to enjoy getting together and sharing good food.”

There are three main types of vegetarianism: Lacto-ovo, Vegan, and Lacto. The definition of a lacto-ovo vegetarian dish is simply one without meat, including poultry and seafood. A vegan dish contains no meat, dairy, or any other animal products. Lacto dishes can include dairy, but not meat or eggs.

Many people choose to become vegetarians or vegans because of their moral beliefs. Some people think it is ethically wrong to kill living creatures for the purpose of consumption.

To others, humane treatment of animals is a major concern. Still more are concerned about the environmental impact of cattle raising.

During the lunch, Robin Spalty, the science teacher, told the group that she has been a vegetarian for around 31 years. She had been brought up vegetarian, tried meat dishes as a young adult, and then chose to remain a vegetarian. Other students also shared why they became vegetarians or vegans.

“I saw the way they treated animals when they were going to kill them. Also, it’s healthier,” sophomore Erica Evans said.

According to Campbell, being a vegan has its difficulties. He thought it was hard for the first few months to find new foods until he became adjusted. He also mentioned that eating out can be a problem, although restaurants have begun offering vegetarian and vegan meals.

This group of students and staff members is looking forward to holding more potlucks in the future.

“I was so happy. It was so much fun and we definitely need to do it again now that we know that so many people are interested in it,” Johnston said,

“Based on the success of this first event, the student organizers definitely want to hold something similar in the future,” Bandy added.  “They are considering having a vegan/vegetarian booth at our next food fair, and they are also planning another potluck in term four.”