University enrollment figures are on the rise.
The Student Services Giessen has made a significant leap in promoting vegan-friendly dining options, earning it the title of a top performer in vegan nutrition in Germany for 2025.
The Mensa Otto-Behragel Street, one of the key dining facilities under the Student Services Giessen, has been recognised by PETA for its consistently vegan menu. The cafeteria offers a wide variety of plant-based options, including daily changing salad bowls, snacks, pastries, various starters, desserts, and a few vegetarian side dishes.
The comprehensive salad bar at the Mensa Otto-Behragel Street is a highlight, boasting numerous vegan components. In addition, the establishment also produces plant-based alternative products in-house.
Guido Wolf, head of university catering at the Student Services Giessen, emphasised their commitment to catering to student wishes. He stated, "We are pleased to receive this award from PETA. It is a testament to our continuous efforts to provide sustainable and diverse food options for our students."
The ninth PETA competition in 2025 saw a total of 29 student services from all over Germany participating. The evaluation system for the competition has been adapted this year, with green leaves replacing stars as the award symbol. Half leaves are also possible, reflecting the progress made by participating institutions.
The overall evaluation for the PETA ranking includes the daily availability of vegan dishes, staff training, transparent labeling, and thematic action weeks. The Mensa Otto-Behragel Street, CampusTor cafeteria, and Café am Kunstweg of the Student Services Giessen were among the award recipients.
Notably, this is the first time that the cafeterias CampusTor and Café am Kunstweg have received an award from PETA. The Student Services Giessen has improved its rating by 1.5 points compared to the previous year, highlighting its commitment to vegan and vegetarian meals.
To further promote vegan dining, the Mensa Otto-Behragel Street organises various action days and cooking competitions with student participation. These initiatives aim to foster a sense of community and encourage a more sustainable lifestyle among students.
The variety of plant-based offers at universities continues to grow, as demonstrated by the results of the ninth PETA competition in 2025. The Student Services Giessen's success in vegan nutrition is a significant step towards making plant-based dining a norm in educational institutions.
