You may learn more about them by visiting our Lay Associates page. Yes, Trappists are vegetarians though the practice varies from house to house. The practices outlined here pertain to our community here at Genesee. While we abstain from meat we eat fish occasionally. Perhaps two or three times a week.
Meat is served to individuals when indicated for medical reasons.
There are some light weight reasons often given for monastic vegetarianism such as for the sake of poverty and to help keep meals simple and not terribly enticing. While these are correct and helpful in the ascetical life they are not primary. More likely than not what is behind the prohibition against eating meat is the belief that doing so, especially that of red-blooded animals, stimulates and even inflames the passions. Monastic practice bears the truth of this out. Fasting is one help.