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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Titan Bites App Helps Students Locate Free Food on Campus
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
For students in need of a meal, locating free or leftover food on campus has just become easier through Cal State Fullerton’s new Titan Bites app.
Developed by Auxiliary Services …
- Posted Dec. 18, 2024
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TASTE Food: The Automated Scope 3 Tool for Tracking Emissions from Food
- Stanford University (CA)
TASTE Food was developed by Rebecca Grekin, a graduate student at Stanford University in the Benson Lab in the Energy Sciences Engineering department, as part of her Master’s work which …
- Posted Oct. 22, 2024
- Tools
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Research Overview on Plant-Based Nudges
- Better Food Foundation (DC)
This research, produced by Better Food Foundation and based on their DefaultVeg strategy, summarizes dozens of academic studies and explains how to apply their findings in food services.
- Posted Sept. 18, 2024
- Publications
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Defeating the Plastic Monster at Bard College
- Bard College (NY)
BardE3 sustainability students took some of the monstrous plastic that we cannot recycle and built a plastic monster as a teaching tool. pronounced Bard-ies, these sustainability students understand the interplay …
- Posted Aug. 20, 2024
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Food Lockers Address Food Insecurity at Pitt
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
New food lockers at University of Pittsburgh make grocery and meal delivery more convenient and help address food insecurity for the Pitt community. Nonperishable food items, fresh produce and extra …
- Posted Aug. 19, 2024
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Seneca Polytechnic - The Seneca Farm
- Seneca Polytechnic (ON)
Opening in September of 2023, Seneca Polytechnic has renovated the two-floor shipping container facility at Newnham Campus and turned it into a hub for urban agriculture commercial growing and research. …
- Posted Aug. 8, 2024
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Seneca Polytechnic - Waste
- Seneca Polytechnic (ON)
The below image is most closely related to Seneca's food & dining and waste reduction efforts.
- Posted July 24, 2024
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USC Hospitality
- University of Southern California (CA)
USC Hospitality recognizes the importance of meeting the needs of the campus without comprising the health of our students, employees or the environment. By initiating several efforts with our practices …
- Posted July 21, 2024
- Photographs
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Dickinson College Farm
- Dickinson College (PA)
Dickinson’s College Farm is an 80-acre, USDA-certified organic farm and a living laboratory where students can gain distinctive, hands-on learning experiences.
- Posted July 15, 2024
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Embracing Plastic-Free: Reusable Takeout at Carleton College That is Actually Reused
- Carleton College (MN)
- USEFULL (MA)
College campuses have an opportunity to positively impact the waste stream with reusable container programs in campus dining. Bon Appétit at Carleton College partnered with USEFULL to offer tech-enabled reusable …
- Posted May 31, 2024
- Case Studies
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From Farm to Food Pantry
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
The Fullerton Arboretum and CSUF Campus Garden keep the ASI Food Pantry stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables.
JADA FONSECA HOLDS A PAIR OF PRUNERS IN ONE HAND and gently …
- Posted May 28, 2024
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Weigh the Waste
- Seattle University (WA)
Seattle University's Redhawk dining team wanted to create a visual representation of the waste that is created from students choosing a compostable to-go container instead of choosing a plate.
- Posted May 6, 2024
- Photographs
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PCC Earth Week 2024
- Portland Community College (OR)
We celebrated Earth Week at Portland Community College (PCC) with over 30 events throughout the week! We hosted tours and planting parties in our on-campus Learning Gardens, upcycling workshops in …
- Posted April 30, 2024
- Photographs
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Un-Can-It for the Planet
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
An annual event where student unpackage expired food from our Student Basic Needs Center and compost it, and students and staff are also able to bring expired or stale food …
- Posted April 25, 2024
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Composting at EMU Dining's Facilities
- Chartwells Higher Education (NY)
Currently, three of EMU’s dining facilities are a part of a program that diverts pre and post consumer food waste from landfill. Our teams have a contract with a local …
- Posted April 23, 2024
- Case Studies
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How Michigan State University and Sparty Celebrate Earth Month
- Michigan State University (MI)
These pictures are from our Environmental Education Fair that Michigan State University's Office of Sustainability hosted in partnership with MSU student leadership. Our beloved mascot Sparty came to visit the …
- Posted April 17, 2024
- Photographs
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A Comparison of Single-Use and Reusable Drinkware A Life Cycle Assessment
- Michigan Technological University (MI)
Sponsored by Sussex Injection Molding from Sussex, WI, the OneTumbler Sustainability team in the Consumer Product Manufacturing Enterprise aims to encourage sustainability on Michigan Technological University’s campus through promoting a …
- Posted April 16, 2024
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New Campus-wide Composting System Launched at Lafayette College
- Lafayette College (PA)
January, 2024
Easton, Pennsylvania – Lafayette College launched a new campus-wide food waste composting program this fall, using an odor-controlled In Vessel composting system that automatically processes food waste into …
- Posted March 19, 2024
- Publications
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Higher Education Foodscapes as Sites of Action and Transformation
- AASHE (MA)
- University of Melbourne (Victoria)
This webinar presents an in-depth look at foodscapes in higher education. Initially it will look at defining both campus foodscapes and higher education foodscapes and then detail various aspects of …
- Posted March 4, 2024
- Videos & Webinars
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FRESH to Table: A Homegrown Dining Initiative
- Boston College (MA)
FRESH is a Boston College Dining Services (BCDS) initiative that stands for Fairly traded, Regional, Equitable, Sustainable, and Healthy. With these FRESH parameters, BCDS seeks to source food and food …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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Coolfoodies and Friends Meetup
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
- Williams College (MA)
- World Resources Institute (DC)
Join Coolfood Pledge members Brandeis University, University of Pittsburgh, and Williams College for a group discussion and networking hour following the “Implementing Coolfood at Three Universities” session. Chat with Coolfood …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainable and Healthful Food Purchasing Policy at Lehigh University
- Lehigh University (PA)
This session is designed to educate sustainability staff, university business service departments, and campus dining executives on ways to incorporate healthy and sustainable food into their campus operations. This session …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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Not Your Average Emissions: Scope 3 Challenges, Opportunities, and Taking a Holistic Approach
- Harvard University (MA)
Reducing Scope 3 emissions is an urgent sustainability challenge, but while the opportunity for impact is great, the journey forward is not always clear or easy. For most organizations, including …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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Using Behavioral Science to Flip Food Culture
- Better Food Foundation (DC)
- Food for Climate League
What do college cafeterias, a Soul Music festival, urban hospitals and trendy coffeeshop chains have in common? In 2022 and 2023 they are places that have used behavioral nudges, like …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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Menuing toward Net Zero: Coolfood Meals and Emissions Targets
- Aramark (PA)
Food systems are estimated to contribute over 1/3 of overall annual greenhouse gas emissions. In an effort to address this, Aramark has implemented Coolfood Meals, a low carbon menu labeling …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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Implementing Successful Reuse Programs in Campus Dining
- Boston University (MA)
- The Ohio State University (OH)
- AASHE (MA)
Reusable to-go container programs offer great potential for waste reduction and financial savings, but challenges with implementation often limit participation, prevent containers from being returned and reused, or provide little …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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Composting: Simple Changes for Meaningful Impacts
- University of Arizona (AZ)
Food loss and waste are global challenges; an estimated 40% of food in the U.S. is wasted. Food waste disposal practices correlate with issues such as food insecurity, poverty, and …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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Implementing Coolfood at Three US Universities
- Harvard University (MA)
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
- Williams College (MA)
- World Resources Institute (DC)
Coolfood Pledge members commit to a target of reducing GHG emissions associated with the food they serve by 25 percent by 2030. Learn about the credible and proven way to …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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Just Purchasing Consortium: Networking and Mutual Education
- Georgetown University (DC)
Poultry processing is hazardous, horrific work. Processing lines move very fast, with some plants operating at a maximum speed of 175 birds per minute, and the working conditions are challenging …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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Missing Pieces in Higher Education Climate Action Planning: Food, Reuse and Empowerment
- AASHE (MA)
- Gaia Education
- Center for Biological Diversity (AZ)
Climate plans can help colleges and universities address climate concerns specific to the students, faculty and staff of that campus. Staff from the Center for Biological Diversity and GAIA will …
- Posted Feb. 15, 2024
- Videos & Webinars
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Sustainable Food Systems (BS/BA)
- Prescott College (AZ)
This degree explores food systems from agricultural processes, to marketplace dynamics, to the issues of food justice. Students engage in interdisciplinary study and practice, drawing on history, environmental studies and …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Food Systems (MS)
- Prescott College (AZ)
This degree supports the strengthening of communities and their members by helping people re(build) healthy, just and sustainable food systems. In today’s world of complex food, nutrition, and agriculture systems, …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Food Systems (MBA-MSFS)
- Prescott College (AZ)
Designed for students interested in transforming food systems. Students gain sustainable leadership skills and tools with the knowledge of systems science needed to build and change businesses that contribute to …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Food Studies (Minor)
- Middlebury College (VT)
Food Studies is a new initiative that integrates courses and cocurricular activities into a cohesive program of study. The curriculum addresses the interconnections of food issues with environmental, social, health …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Food and Agriculture Law and Policy Dual-Degree (MS)
- Quinnipiac University (CT)
A partnership between the Quinnipiac School of Law and Vermont Law School, students will learn to effectively engage the institutions and individuals that directly influence food and agriculture law and …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Nutrition- Sustainable Food Systems (BS)
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania (PA)
Program emphasizes ecological approaches and systems-based thinking for students to develop understanding of local, regional, and international food systems. Students are prepared for position in food management and careers focused …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Food Systems (Certificate)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
The undergraduate Food Systems Certificate (16 credit) is offered by the Department of Community and Environmental Sociology in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. The Food Systems Certificate assembles …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Food Systems and Nutrition (Minor)
- Tufts University (MA)
The Food Systems and Nutrition minor encompasses a wide array of topics addressing sustainable food production, policy, access and nutrition.
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Food Systems (Minor)
- Bucknell University (PA)
The minor in food systems takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the production, processing, distribution and politics of food, which are global challenges in the 21st century. The …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (Bachelor)
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (TX)
The multidisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS) serves students interested in improving the sustainability of modern food and agricultural systems. This major prepares graduates …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Global Food Systems (Minor)
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Campus (NJ)
The Minor in Sustainable Global Food Systems (18 credits) is designed for students who wish to expand their understanding of issues and challenges facing food systems that bridge the boundaries …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Food Systems Sustainability, Health, and Equity (Minor)
- Northeastern University (MA)
The minor in food systems sustainability, health, and equity is an interdisciplinary exploration of the contemporary food system, with particular attention to how the system evolved; its diverse societal, health, …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Food Systems (Minor)
- Cal Poly Humboldt (CA)
The Sustainable Food Systems Minor is an interdisciplinary course of study from all three colleges. It provides students with a holistic food systems perspective and an increased ability to access …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Local Foods (Minor)
- South Dakota State University (SD)
The interdisciplinary minor in Sustainable Local Foods focuses on healthful food choices and sustainable food production of locally produced vegetables and fruits. It will equip students in any major to …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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The Why and How Behind Aligning Your Institution’s Values With its Food Purchases
- Emory University (GA)
- Spelman College (GA)
- AASHE (MA)
- Bon Appétit Management Company
- The Common Market
What is the impact of your purchases? Is your food service program taking steps to align its values—local sourcing, equity and diversity, climate, health, and beyond—with its purchases?
More and …
- Posted Oct. 19, 2023
- Videos & Webinars
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Our Carbon Footprint - Digital Education Package
- Educated Choices Program
This digital video presentation and accompanying materials, developed in partnership with the Environmental Working Group (EWG), explores the environmental impacts associated with the production of modern food products and food …
- Posted Oct. 19, 2023
- Course Materials
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The Future of Food - Digital Education Package
- Educated Choices Program
This digital video presentation and accompanying materials explore the latest in plant-based and cell-based food technologies and how these products are shaping the future of our food systems. Viewers examine …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2023
- Course Materials
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The Planet and Our Plates - Digital Education Package
- Earthday.org (DC)
- Educated Choices Program
Created in partnership between the Educated Choices Program and EARTHDAY.ORG, this presentation takes an in-depth look at the environmental issues our planet is facing (including deforestation, ocean depletion, overuse of …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2023
- Course Materials
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Reusable Goods Used at Student Run Coffee Shop
- Tufts University (MA)
The Sink, a student-run coffee shop, implements reusable dishware and fair trade coffee when serving beverages at the Tufts University campus center.
- Posted Sept. 7, 2023
- Photographs
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Saint Mary's College Garden
- Saint Mary's College of California (CA)
Saint Mary's half acre campus garden is a source of healthy, fresh and sustainable fruits, herbs, vegetables and honey for students, staff and faculty.
- Posted Aug. 31, 2023
- Photographs
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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.