Food & Dining
Introduction
Modern industrial food production often has deleterious environmental and social impacts. Institutions can use their food purchases to support their local economies; encourage safe, environmentally friendly and humane farming methods; and help eliminate unsafe working conditions and alleviate poverty for farmers. These actions help reduce environmental impacts, preserve regional farmland, improve local food security, and support fair and resilient food systems. Dining services can also support sustainable food systems by preventing food waste and diverting food materials from the waste stream, by making low impact dining options available, and by educating its customers about more sustainable options and practices.
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Cornell Climate Change Demonstration Garden
- Cornell University (NY)
Climate Change Garden - The Cornell University Climate Change Garden is a permanent campus installation that demonstrates the impact of climate change on plant growth in New York state. Planning …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2019
- Photographs
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Good Food Purchasing Program, University of Texas at Austin
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
Good Food Purchasing Program - University of Texas at Austin is the first institution of higher education to participate in the Good Food Purchasing Program as a partner with the …
- Posted July 31, 2019
- Photographs
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UMass Lowell Urban Agriculture Program
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA)
Urban Agriculture Program - The University of Massachusetts Lowell Office of Sustainability developed an urban agriculture program in partnership with Mill City Grows, a local food justice organization. The partnership …
- Posted July 31, 2019
- Photographs
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Bowdoin College Carbon Foodprint Dinner
- Bowdoin College (ME)
Bowdoin's student EcoReps worked with Bowdoin Dining on an educational dinner about the carbon footprint of the meal as part of International Polar Bear Day (Bowdoin's mascot is the polar …
- Posted July 30, 2019
- Photographs
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Students composting at dining hall
- Butler University (IN)
Collaboration to Scale Food Waste Collection - Butler University partnered with Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis on a food waste compost collection route, making it affordable to use a large waste …
- Posted July 29, 2019
- Photographs
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Master of Arts in Food Studies (MAFS) - MBA Dual Degree Program
- Chatham University (PA)
Core courses provide breadth and depth in food studies, business, and sustainable business, equipping all students with a holistic understanding of food systems and business skills. All students are expected …
- Posted July 10, 2019
- Academic Programs
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AAS in Sustainable Brewing
- Kalamazoo Valley Community College (MI)
This degree combines the competencies in brewing science and technology with additional coursework in the sciences, business, sustainability studies, and allied fields. The program is designed to prepare students for …
- Posted May 29, 2019
- Academic Programs
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AAS in Culinary Arts & Sustainable Food Systems
- Kalamazoo Valley Community College (MI)
This program of study was developed with advisory groups of chefs, farmers, food processors/distributors and food industry entrepreneurs. Students will spend most of their time working in a real production …
- Posted May 29, 2019
- Academic Programs
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No Impact Meal - A More Mindful Dinner
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
The No Impact Meal (NIM) program is transforming our relationship with food on campus, one meal at a time. Led by a group of sustainability interns since the spring of …
- Posted May 22, 2019
- Videos & Webinars
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Central College Bee Campus
- Central College (IA)
- The Xerces Society (OR)
Central College is a leader in sustainability education, both in Iowa and the Midwest. For more than a century, Central students and staff have prioritized sustainability at the college. After …
- Posted May 20, 2019
- Case Studies
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Composting at Northwestern University Norris Center
- Northwestern University (IL)
- Real Food Challenge (AZ)
- Compass Group (NC)
The project consists of the successful implementation of a front-of-the-house composting program in Northwestern University's Norris Center food court dining area and the coordination of a series of experiments to …
- Posted May 20, 2019
- Case Studies
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Fighting Irish, Fighting Food Waste: Converting Food Waste into Energy at Notre Dame
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
At Notre Dame food and hospitality are integral aspects of campus culture. Over the last three years, two student-centered projects aimed at fighting food waste will allow Notre Dame to …
- Posted May 20, 2019
- Case Studies
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Student Leaders Supporting Student Success
- University of California, Merced (CA)
The Bobcat Pantry serves as a sustainable service addressing food insecurity while combating student huger and malnourishments. The space encourages students to implement health-conscious lifestyles to further their academic success. …
- Posted May 20, 2019
- Case Studies
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Fostering a Straw-Conscious University
- Boston University (MA)
Our initiative worked to make Boston University a straw-conscious environment.
Since most recycling facilities are not equipped with the proper machinery to recycle plastic straws, we focused our campaign on …
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
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Dollar Coffee Club
- University of Montana- Missoula (MT)
The intent of the Dollar Coffee Club (DCC) is to leverage the powerful appeal of one dollar coffee to incentivize customers to participate in sustainability efforts through a quid pro …
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
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#LoveAMug: Reinvigorating a Reusable Mug Program
- Princeton University (NJ)
In 2003, Princeton University Campus Dining (CD) introduced a 25 cent reusable mug discount in retail operations. Over the years, the program became stagnant and was applied to an average …
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
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Chandler-Gilbert Community College Food Waste Recycling Project
- Chandler-Gilbert Community College (AZ)
- Maricopa County Community College District Office (AZ)
The CGCC Food Waste Recycling Project is a grant-funded campus-wide ongoing collaborative project that offers deep, cross-disciplinary, experiential student learning via an innovative solution for CGCC’s food and green waste. …
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
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Fill Plates, Not Landfills: Implementing the Bobcat Eats Food Waste Awareness and Prevention Program
- University of California, Merced (CA)
The Bobcat Eats Food Waste Awareness and Prevention Program is a collaboration between the University of California, Merced (UC Merced) and the Merced County Food Bank to reduce food waste …
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
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Eating Green
- Harvard University (MA)
I created a guide to plant-based eating for students on Harvard's campus. Unfolding over the course of several months, this pamphlet translated into 2,000 hard copies and a digital version …
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
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STARS Report as a Framework for Campus Sustainability.
- The University of Texas at Dallas (TX)
The Eco Rep program at the University of Texas at Dallas expanded campus sustainability efforts by using AASHE STARS reporting as a framework for new student run initiatives and projects. …
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
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Developing, Piloting, and Factor Analysis of a Brief Survey Tool for Evaluating Food and Composting Behaviors: The Short Composting Survey
- Central Washington University (WA)
Composting on a university campus may take a variety of forms. Sustainable approaches to waste management can be taught and supported through educational programs, peer-to-peer behavior modeling, and composting program …
- Posted May 15, 2019
- Publications
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Making the Most of Meals
- Harvard University (MA)
Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) established a food donation program in 2014, which includes bulk donation of nutritious foods from residential dining buffets (approximately 27,000 pounds in 2017), as well …
- Posted May 7, 2019
- Case Studies
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Are estimates of food insecurity among college students accurate? Comparison of assessment protocols
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
A growing body of literature suggests that post-secondary students experience food insecurity (FI) at greater rates than the general population. However, these rates vary dramatically across institutions and studies. FI …
- Posted May 6, 2019
- Publications
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Food System Field Experience: STEM Identity and Change Agency for Undergraduate Sustainability Learners
- Michigan State University (MI)
- Oregon State University (OR)
Experiential STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning increases STEM identity and belongingness in STEM communities. Experiential food systems education affects change agency and intention to effect change. But little …
- Posted May 6, 2019
- Publications
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Attitudes of dining customers towards sustainability-related food values at a public University campus
- Oregon State University (OR)
- University of Wisconsin-Extension (WI)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
The plethora of alternative food labels emerging in the marketplace reflects consumer interest in informed and sustainable purchasing. However, consumers’ preferences vary with respect to the sustainability metrics represented by …
- Posted May 5, 2019
- Publications
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Low Carbon Footprint Dinner - Univ. of Oregon
- University of Oregon (OR)
During Earth Week the University of Oregon hosted a "Low Carbon Footprint" dinner, featuring foods that have lower carbon emissions from production through to waste. Low Carbon Footprint options were …
- Posted May 5, 2019
- Photographs
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Cal Poly Earth Week Festival
- California Polytechnic State University (CA)
Cal Poly Earth Week, hosted by Cal Poly Energy, Utilities, and Sustainability Department in collaboration with Green Campus and many other campus and community entities! See discussion section and schedule …
- Posted May 5, 2019
- Photographs
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Food Minor
- University of Michigan (MI)
The minor is designed to provide the information and analytic skills necessary to understanding the sustainable production and consumption of food. The course work analyzes the current food system across …
- Posted May 5, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Food Studies Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS)
- Syracuse University (NY)
The academic field of Food Studies trains students in the fast-changing landscape of international food policy as well as local food governance systems. The program at Syracuse University is characterized …
- Posted May 5, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Food Studies (MS)
- Syracuse University (NY)
The Master of Science in Food Studies is a 36-credit hour graduate program providing students with a foundation in the political economy of food systems, including food policy, human rights, …
- Posted May 5, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Food Studies Minor
- Syracuse University (NY)
Food Studies is one of the fastest-growing fields of study in North America. It has expanded to become a broad academic discipline, encompassing the study of food delivery systems, social …
- Posted May 5, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Food Studies (BS)
- Syracuse University (NY)
Food Studies is one of the fastest-growing fields of study in North America. It has expanded to become a broad academic discipline, encompassing the study of food delivery systems, social …
- Posted May 5, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Boston University Earth Week
- Boston University (MA)
In 2019 Boston University hosted its Ninth Annual Earth Week. Partnering with numerous area organizations, businesses, University departments, and student clubs, sustainability@BU put on several events to celebrate Earth Day. …
- Posted April 29, 2019
- Photographs
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Lettuce Bee Sustainable at Dominican University - River Forest, IL
- Dominican University (IL)
Lettuce Bee Sustainable this Earth Day, Monday, April 22 from Noon to 2:00 pm in the Parmer Atrium.
• Build your own Salad in a Jar. • Taste test vegan …
- Posted April 29, 2019
- Photographs
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MUSC Earth Day & Local Food Festival
- Medical University of South Carolina (SC)
On Wednesday April 10th, 2019 MUSC hosted the largest Earth Day event in the Charleston area. Running from 11am to 2pm on the MUSC Horseshoe, MUSC Earth Day and Local …
- Posted April 29, 2019
- Photographs
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William & Mary Earth Day Festival 2019
- College of William & Mary (VA)
Individuals celebrating Earth Day at the College of William & Mary through tabling, a butterfly tent, and photographs taken with the Lorax
- Posted April 29, 2019
- Photographs
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How Can Wolves & Ag Co-Exist? (Earth Day Event)
- Feather River College (CA)
Feather River College's Sustainability Action Team hosts a Spring Sustainability Series. This year it culminated with an event called "How Can Wolves and Ag Co-Exist" in partnership with the Plumas …
- Posted April 29, 2019
- Case Studies
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Tarrant County College Southeast Campus Aquaponics Cultivation Center and Wildlife Development
- Tarrant County College Southeast (TX)
This is a massive, on-going project that we have been developing as a committee over the past 2 years. Right now, I am in the process of developing 2 miles …
- Posted April 29, 2019
- Case Studies
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UW-Madison Reusable To Go Containers- Ticket to Take Out!
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
Beginning in Fall 2018, all University Housing Dining Markets moved exclusively to a reusable to-go container program for all carry-out food. The goal of this program, named Ticket to Take …
- Posted April 29, 2019
- Case Studies
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Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems (MS)
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (WI)
Learn online and earn your Master of Science (M.S.) in Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Gain expertise in sustainable food systems and innovative community …
- Posted Feb. 13, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Food and Nutrition (BA)
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (WI)
Students can share their passion for food from farm-to-fork (food production through consumption) and working on food-related issues at a community, national or international level in the sustainable food and …
- Posted Feb. 13, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Farming & Food Systems Focus (BA in Human Ecology)
- College of the Atlantic (ME)
Understanding food and its production requires insights from history, anthropology, economics, politics, ecology, botany, chemistry, and so on. Accordingly, this program offers a diverse and interdisciplinary set of classes in …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2019
- Academic Programs
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University of Vermont Dining Services Vendor RFP
- University of Vermont (VT)
- Real Food Challenge (AZ)
Request for Proposals for the University of Vermont's dining services provider, specifying ways that the Real Food Challenge and other sustainability measures are to be incorporated into the vendor's services.
- Posted Jan. 11, 2019
- Tools
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Transitioning “Upward” When “Downstream” Efforts Are Insufficient
- Western Colorado University (CO)
This article presents the results of a social marketing campaign to encourage individuals to compost at a university dining facility. Downstream efforts were less effective than desired in changing behavior …
- Posted Dec. 21, 2018
- Publications
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The Real Impact of Real Food: 8 Ways Institutional Procurement is Building Real Food Economy
- Real Food Challenge (AZ)
This report pulls from interviews of 50 Real Food vendors across the US detailing how commitments to purchasing Real Food has improved their livelihoods and the overall infrastructure for a …
- Posted Dec. 21, 2018
- Publications
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An emerging signature pedagogy for sustainable food systems education
- Montana State University (MT)
- University of California, Davis (CA)
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
- The University of British Columbia (BC)
Concerns are growing over the ability of the modern food system to simultaneously achieve food security and environmental sustainability in the face of global change. Yet, the dominant tendency within …
- Posted Dec. 11, 2018
- Publications
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Food Studies Certificate (FDST)
- Dickinson College (PA)
Food studies is the critical examination of food—the evolution of its procurement, production, consumption and cultural meanings within the contexts of the natural and social sciences and humanities. It's a …
- Posted Nov. 20, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Setup a Food Hub as a Community Resilience Tool
- Black Hills State University (SD)
- AASHE (MA)
Black Hills State University (BHSU) and Spearfish community partners are seeking to create a culture that supports and values local food in order to expand the reach and depth of …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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Building an Open Source Food Recovery Website: Pairing University Dining Halls With Shelters
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
About one-third of food is wasted globally each year (Smith). Further, 30-40% of all food in the U.S. goes uneaten each year, resulting in 133 billion pounds of waste, worth …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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College & University Recycling Coalition (CURC) Membership Meeting
- University of South Carolina (SC)
Members and non-members alike are invited to join this annual CURC membership meeting. Board members will provide organizational updates, discuss current projects, and share opportunities to get involved. The meeting …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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This tab provides access to data collected through AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS). STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements developed with broad participation from the campus sustainability community.
All responses reference content from reports under the latest version of STARS, version 2.2. AASHE membership and log-in is required.
OP 7: Food and Beverage Purchasing
- Percent of sustainably or ethically produced food and beverage expenditures
- Percent of plant-based food expenditures
- Sustainable food and beverage purchasing inventory
- Description of the sustainable food and beverage purchasing program
- Website URL - Sustainable food and beverage purchasing
OP 8: Sustainable Dining
- Description of the farmers market, CSA or urban agriculture project
- Description of the sustainability-themed food outlet
- Description of the support for disadvantaged businesses, social enterprises, and/or local SMEs
- Description of low impact dining events and/or plant-forward options
- Description of the vegan dining program
- Description of sustainability labelling and signage in dining halls
- Description of the food recovery competition or commitment program or food waste prevention system
- Description of the trayless dining or modified menu/portion program
- Description of the food donation program
- Description of the food materials diversion program
- Description of the pre-consumer composting program
- Description of the post-consumer composting program
- Description of the reusable serviceware program
- Description of the compostable materials and serviceware program
- Description of the reusable container discount or incentives program
- Website URL - Sustainable dining programs
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.