Local vegetarians will gather this afternoon to encourage omnivores to stop eating animals.

State College's Humanity for Animals, along with Penn State's Alliance for Animal Rights, will run an information table at the Allen Street Gates from noon to 4 p.m. today to distribute literature and free vegan food samples provided by health food manufacturers.

"We ask people to sign a pledge that says that for the next six months of Mondays, they won't eat meat," said Terri Nelson-Bunge, leader of the local animal rights group Humanity for Animals.

Today's events and Monday's Great American Meatout are aimed to inform the public about the different vegetarian lifestyles.

The Great American Meatout, started by the animal activism group Farm Animal Reform Movement (FARM) in 1985, is held every year on the first day of spring.

It is designed to promote a vegetarian diet by encouraging people to give up meat for one day. "It's like quitting smoking," said Jen Riley, the national program coordinator for the 21st annual Great American Meatout.

Jessica Parry, Penn State's Alliance for Animal Rights president, said she sees the events as a way to inform people about the mistreatment of animals on farms.

"They're treated horribly, and their lives are miserable. People have no idea," she said.

Residence halls dining commons will recognize the event Monday by offering some extra vegetarian options in addition to the usual fare.

"For Penn State food service, offering the feature is really about boosting awareness of a vegetarian existence," Michele Newhard, special programs training coordinator, said.

"We would never attempt to try to place an agenda on it beyond that. We try not to be political in Penn State Food Services," she added.

Steven Jackson (junior-information sciences and technology), who belongs to the Facebook group Vegetarians Rock, said that he stopped eating meat in second grade.

"I thought to myself, 'I really wouldn't want to eat my dog or a cat or something, so what makes me want to eat a cow or chicken?' " Jackson said.

Riley said people are reluctant to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle because they've been raised as meat eaters.

"It's something that's ingrained in you -- it's a habit. You don't need it to live," Riley said.

Stephanie Genis (freshman-Spanish) said that it would be difficult for her to become a vegetarian.

"I think it's a nice concept, but I couldn't do it because I like things like hot dogs," Genis said.