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An Indian-origin woman in the US went viral for highlighting the lack of vegetarian options at work lunches.
In the caption to the post, she emphasized that her frustration was not just about the office lunch but part of a larger pattern. (Image Credit: Instagram)
An Indian-origin woman in the US has gone viral for calling out the lack of vegetarian food options at a workplace lunch which she said reflects an indifference toward vegetarianism in the country. In the video, the woman explained that she was told not to bring her own lunch as food would be arranged for everyone.
When she arrived at the event “not a single vegetarian sandwich” was available among the dozens on offer, she said, adding, “So many thoughtful options like kosher, halal, even gluten-free. I asked, ‘Where are the vegetarian sandwiches?’ And there was complete silence.”
She said that someone eventually suggested she “make” a vegetarian sandwich by removing the meat, sharing, “That doesn’t make me want to eat a vegetarian sandwich. It makes me want to vomit.”
Calling it a recurring issue in the US, she said vegetarianism often doesn’t even register as a dietary preference. She noted, “Being a vegetarian is not even an afterthought, it’s not even a thought”, pointing to her experience at gas stations that stock no pre-made vegetarian options.
In the caption to the post, she emphasized that her frustration was not just about the office lunch but part of a larger pattern. “This isn’t about yesterday so much as it is about being a vegetarian and never having basic options.” She also slammed the common misconception that vegetarianism includes poultry and seafood, saying, “How many times have I heard… ‘Oh so you’re vegetarian, so chicken and fish are OK?’”
Suggesting a solution, she said, “How about everything is provided baseline vegetarian, and the meat can be an add-on on the side? Problem solved.” While colleagues later offered to get her something to eat, she said it came an hour too late.
“I walked out so disappointed,” she said.
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
- First Published: