Students at the University of Coimbra are ramping up pressure for a Meat Free Monday policy, calling on university cafeterias to serve only plant-based meals one day a week as part of a growing sustainability campaign.
The movement, known as ‘Segundas Sem Carne Portugal’, officially launched in September 2025 and has quickly gained visibility across the historic Portuguese university city. Founded by students, the nonpartisan campaign argues that reducing meat consumption is essential for tackling climate change, protecting ecosystems, improving public health and reducing animal suffering.
While the policy has not yet been officially implemented, organisers say that key decision-makers are aware of the campaign. They have also had the opportunity to engage in constructive discussions with the city mayor, who recently signed the Plant Based Treaty and is open to further advancing meat-reduction policies. Organisers are advocating not only for the implementation of Meat Free Monday at the university but also in schools across the municipality.
Cafeterias at the University of Coimbra currently offer three meal options – meat, fish, and plant-based – with some meals priced at €2.40 under a subsidised social scheme. Through various campaigns and questionnaires conducted in cafeterias, campaigners report largely positive feedback from students regarding the idea of offering three plant-based options one day per week instead of the traditional menu. Nonetheless, some students argue that the perceived lack of quality of existing plant-based meals discourages their support for the measure. Consequently, the movement is also advocating for capacity building among kitchen staff, aiming to improve their plant-based cooking skills.
