Medicine students eat crickets ‘for a better world’

The Medical Faculty Association Rotterdam (MFVR) served crickets on toast at the faculty bar ’t Vat on Tuesday. Throughout the week, the faculty association’s sustainability committee is offering several meat-free alternatives for lunch. ‘I like maggots better than crickets.’

krekeltosti mfvr t vat greenweek erasmus mc onderwijscentrum-Daan Stam-7 — Students could order toastie with crickets at ‘t Vat on Tuesday. Image credit: Daan Stam

“It doesn’t actually taste of anything”, says one student. He takes another bite of his cricket toastie. “The crickets are crunchy, but otherwise have little flavour.” At faculty bar ’t Vat next to the Education Centre, students can order crickets on their toasties instead of the familiar ham and cheese.

Alternative food

krekeltosti mfvr t vat greenweek erasmus mc onderwijscentrum-Daan Stam-8 — Jelle also orders a cricket toastie. Image credit: Daan Stam

“We want to expose people to other options for sustainable food”, says committee member Jelle van der Vliet. “Crickets may be quite extreme, but at least this way people are encouraged to think about sustainable food alternatives.” Besides lunch, the committee is also organising lectures and workshops with sustainability-related themes.

A better world

krekeltosti mfvr t vat greenweek erasmus mc onderwijscentrum-Daan Stam-9 — A group of students take their first bite of the crickets together. Image credit: Daan Stam

Student Sem remains hesitant. “I’m curious, but I have to get used to the idea”, he laughs. “I still have a few hours to decide whether to try one.” His fellow student Ellen has already partaken. “I’m not much of a fan”, she says. “Last year, we had maggots, and I found them much tastier than the crickets. I find the crickets a bit chewy.” Still, she is prepared to give the critters a second chance. “I might stir-fry them with spices or something. Anything for a better world, right?”