With football season underway, fans from across the nation are pitching their tents and firing up the grill. Savory ribs and juicy franks populate the nearest barbecue grill as spectators cheer on their favorite team.

But what about those who don’t bite down into a freshly grilled burger, or those who won’t be picking their teeth with chicken bones during a tailgate? What will a vegan eat during a tailgate?

Veganism is a practice of not consuming meat or partaking in any usage of an animal-based product — a vegan will not consume any animal-based foods. However, there are solutions and alternatives to enjoying a meal during a tailgate.

The Plant Based Plainsman is an organization at Auburn University designed to educate students on multiple existing reasons to go vegan and to establish a welcoming environment for existing vegans.

Jean Gannett, co-president of the Plant Based Plainsman, encourages vegans to be creative by grilling vegan hot dogs and burgers during football season.

“Though I have never tailgated, I am certain that vegan barbecued baked beans are a great source of protein and can go well with veggie burgers on game day,” Gannett said. “There will more than likely be condiments available if someone is grilling hotdogs and burgers, so don’t be afraid to dress up your patty.”

For additional recommendations, she suggested that eating a plentiful meal beforehand and bringing a light snack to the tailgate can be very beneficial. 

She said she wishes that food trucks and restaurants on Auburn’s campus would have more vegan options.

Ali Sanchez, other co-president of the Plant Based Plainsman persuades vegans to plan before they go to a tailgate. 

Sanchez prompts fellow vegans to establish substantial arrangements before arriving to a tailgate.

“I wish there were more vegan options during tailgates, but that does not discourage me,” Sanchez said. “If I’m not grilling corn on the cob or making a vegetable kabob, I will bring my own food to a tailgate or purchase takeout from a vegan-friendly restaurant nearby, so I won’t be excluded from the feast.”

Sanchez said she will bring chips, boiled peanuts and vegetable trays with vegan ranch as dipping sauce to a tailgate, and they sure hit the spot.