By Khalida Sarwari
An animal advocacy group is inviting San Jose State University students to chow down on free vegan burgers this afternoon while learning about the benefits of a meat-free diet.
Members of Santa Clara County Activists for Animals, an all-volunteer animal advocacy group, and the university’s environmental club will hand out 200 free Boca burgers and Morning Star ribs made of soy protein at noon today.
Group spokeswoman Lauren Ornelas said the goal is to encourage students to kick the meat habit and raise awareness about the health benefits of a vegan diet.
Ornelas said the event will also highlight issues such as the suffering of animals in factories and the environmental impacts of meat consumption.
“We want students to be aware of these issues, because it’s hard for them with their busy schedules,” Ornelas said. “We want to show them that they can make delicious choices that are good for them and good for the animals.”
The event commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Great American Meatout next week.