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.

Featured Resources

1226 resources

MSc in Agroecology

  • Norwegian University of Life Sciences

The programme prepares students for a wide range of positions concerning conventional and organic agriculture and food systems, including advisory services and extension, development projects, management of agricultural and natural …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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MSc in Ecological Food Systems

  • Schumacher College

Schumacher College is the first in the world to offer a postgraduate programme in Ecological Food Systems, developed in collaboration with Plymouth University, The Organic Research Centre (ORC), The Campaign …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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MSc in International Food Business & Consumer Studies

  • University of Kassel

The politics of food in society, involving manufacturers, retailers, consumers and health professionals, are complex and continually evolving. This programme enables its students to take on responsible tasks in national …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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MSc in International Organic Agriculture

  • University of Kassel

The MSc Programme International Organic Agriculture is a finishing study programme, immatriculation is no more possible. Since Wintersemester 2009/10 the contents continues as a specialization in the Master Programme Sustainable …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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MSc in Sustainable Agriculture

  • Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania

Increasing concern over environmental, biodiversity and food safety issues in the Mediterranean area have formed the basis for a Masters of Science (M.Sc. ) degree on "Sustainable Agriculture". Sustainable Agriculture …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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MSc in Sustainable International Agriculture

  • University of Kassel

The MSc Sustainable International Agriculture (SIA) is a joint venture of two German Universities: The University of Kassel in Witzenhausen (Organic Agricultural Sciences) and the University of Gattingen (Agricultural Sciences). …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Organic Agriculture (MSc)

  • Wageningen University

The Organic Agriculture programme has been designed to train students in multiple aspects of organic agriculture and the associated processing and marketing chain. An important goal is to prepare the …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Sustainable Agriculture (MS)

  • Iowa State University (IA)

The Sustainable Agriculture Interdepartmental Graduate Program at Iowa State University builds on a solid foundation of agricultural science and provides students opportunities to cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. Our program was …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Agroecology Minor

  • Goshen College (IN)

Students who enroll in the nine-week residential Agroecology Summer Intensive (ASI) at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center all share something in common: they are passionate about sustainable agriculture. ASI is …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Graduate Minor Degree in Sustainable Agricultural Systems

  • University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)

The minor in Sustainable Agriculture Systems is open to students enrolled in any program within the Graduate School at the University of Minnesota. The program provides a curriculum with strong …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Interdisciplinary Minor in Organic Agriculture

  • Colorado State University (CO)

Organic food and fiber production without the use of synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers is the fastest-growing sector of the agricultural industry, fueled by consumer demand in both North America …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Minor in Agroecology

  • University of Wyoming (WY)

Agroecology, the study of agricultural ecosystems, is an interdisciplinary degree program within the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management and the Department of Plant Sciences. The Bachelor of Science in …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Minor in Agroecology

  • North Carolina State University (NC)

Using an interdisciplinary approach, the Agroecology Minor program at NCSU is designed to provide students from all fields a fundamental understanding of agricultural systems from an ecological, economic, and sociological …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Minor in Ecological Agriculture

  • University of Vermont (VT)

This minor is designed to give students a knowledge-based concentration in diversified agricultural production based on ecological principles and is economically viable, socially acceptable, and minimizes impacts to the environment. …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Minor in Food Systems

  • University of Vermont (VT)

This interdisciplinary minor in Food Systems gives students the knowledge and skills necessary to understand our complex interdependent food system of food production, processing, distribution and consumption.

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Minor in Organic & Sustainable Crop Production

  • University of Florida (FL)

Do you ever wonder where organic produce comes from? How do organic farming practices differ from traditional agriculture? This combination of courses will help students learn more about the organic …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Minor in Sustainable Agricultural Systems

  • University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)

Agricultural systems are complex and dynamic. In recent years, questions have been raised regarding the sustainability of energy and resource intensive agriculture systems. While all agriculturally oriented majors of the …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Minor in Sustainable Agriculture

  • University of Missouri (MO)

Increasingly, farmers are looking for creative ways to increase and diversify farm income, while consumers are seeking sustainably raised food produced close to home. Sustainable agriculture meets the needs of …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Minor in Sustainable Agriculture

  • University of Kentucky (KY)

Students in the Sustainable Agriculture (SAG) Program experience a range of learning opportunities designed to immerse them in the world of sustainable agriculture, through a flexible and interdisciplinary curriculum tailored …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Minor in Sustainable Landscape Horticulture

  • University of Vermont (VT)

This minor is designed to provide students with a knowledge-based concentration in horticulture based on the application of ecological principles in landscape design and plant sciences.

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Agroecology Track

  • Goshen College (IN)

Students who enroll in the nine-week residential Agroecology Summer Intensive (ASI) at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center all share something in common: they are passionate about sustainable agriculture. ASI is …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Graduate Specialization in Ecological Food & Farming Systems

  • Michigan State University (MI)

The purpose of the Ecological Food & Farming Systems graduate specialization is to foster active learning about agriculture and food systems among graduate students from different disciplinary backgrounds. Students will …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Certificate in Local Food Systems

  • University of Georgia (GA)

The UGA Certificate in Local Foods is an interdisciplinary certificate designed to give students an overview of the concepts and issues of the local food movement. Students from any major, …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture

  • Santa Rosa Junior College (CA)

The Sustainable Agriculture Production Certificate program is designed to provide farmers and gardeners with a foundation in the techniques of sustainable food production and the "how-to" aspects of organic gardening …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems

  • Grand Valley State University (MI)

Strong local food systems are essential for healthy local communities. Students preparing for careers in local food enterprises, health care, sustainability, education, business, social work, non-profit administration and many other …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems

  • Rio Salado College (AZ)

The Sustainable Food Systems program is designed for a diverse student population, including those who are currently working within the food service industry and are interested in building upon their …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Certificate in Urban Agriculture & Sustainability

  • Owens Community College (OH)

Owens' Urban Agriculture and Sustainability Certificate Program requires 26 credit hours of coursework, which includes plant science, soil science, greenhouse management, urban livestock and animal husbandry, organic gardening and food …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Certificate Program in Organic Agriculture

  • University of Georgia (GA)

The Certificate Program in Organic Agriculture at the University of Georgia is a new interdisciplinary program of study that was created in Fall 2007. The certificate is similar to a …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Sustainable Agriculture Certificate

  • Central Carolina Community College (NC)

The Sustainable Agriculture curriculum is designed to provide the entrepreneurial and technical skills necessary to manage a profitable,environmentally sound, community based small farm or agricultural business. Course work includes classroom …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurship Certificate

  • Johnson County Community College (KS)

JCCC's sustainable agriculture (market farming) entrepreneurship program helps students realize their dreams of opening their own sustainable agriculture businesses. Farmers who grow produce on the side, depending on crops like …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Sustainable Agroecology certificate

  • Triton College (IL)

Designed for learners who wish to gain an appreciation and practical skills to use sustainable practices that will positively influence the quality of natural ecosystems and human environment.

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Sustainable Food & Farming Certificate

  • University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)

The 15-credit Certificate in Sustainable Food and Farming was developed in response to growing student demand and emerging job opportunities. This online program has been particularly attractive to the fastest …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Sustainable Local Foods Farming Certificate

  • John Wood Community College (IL)

JWCC's new Sustainable Local Foods Farming program provides courses and hands-on training in sustainable fruit and vegetable production, entrepreneurship, and marketing. Students gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to …

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Learning Through Eating: Bringing Campus Dining Operations into an Introductory Environmental Science Course

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)

Sustainability initiatives in higher education often flourish as the result of cross-functionality of teaching, research, and operational staff. At the University of Wisconsin - Madison, the Nelson Institute for Environmental …

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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AASHE Student Diary Series: From 'Compost Lady' to Compost Campus

  • Lehigh University (PA)

In my last entry, I wrote about my preliminary composting research at Lehigh University as a first-year student. I am now a junior and compost research has remained an important …

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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AASHE Interview Series: Yoni Landau and Danny Spitzberg of CoFed

  • CoFED (NM)

CoFED, the Cooperative Food Empowerment Directive, supports over 40 student teams in regions across North America. CoFED serves as a network and training program that empowers students to create ethically-sourced, …

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Should We Do It? An Economic Analysis of the Costs and Benefits of a Local and Sustainable Food System at Davidson College

  • Davidson College (NC)

Globalization created the conventional food system and its numerous negative effects such as environmental degradation, the loss of food cultures, antibiotic resistance, unsustainable energy use, increased food insecurity, unfair exploitation …

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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AASHE Student Diary Series: Abuzz with Rooftop Bees

  • Harvard University (MA)

The novice beekeeping adventures of a group of Graduate School of Design (GSD) students at Harvard University are featured in this installment of the AASHE Bulletin Sustainability Student Diary series. …

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Best Practices for Starting Sustainable Food Cooperatives in University Communities

  • University of California, Berkeley (CA)

This study makes recommendations for starting new student-run food co-ops (grocery stores, cafes, delis and other eateries), based on the findings of an investigation on seven co-ops in university communities …

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Time to Get Real: A Food Assessment of Dining at Pomona College

  • Pomona College (CA)

It is well established that current conventional food production practices contribute significantly to environmental degradation and climate change, compromise the well-being of workers and animals involved, and produce foods of …

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Understanding the UCSD Market for Sustainable Foods: The Sustainable Agrifood Systems Fellowship

  • University of California, San Diego (CA)

If UC San Diego is serious about becoming a university leader in sustainability, it is imperative that more attention and resources be directed toward its food system, and in particular …

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Sustainable Seafood at the University of Minnesota

  • University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)

The ultimate goal of this project is to transform the process by which seafood is purchased and consumed at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Currently, no criteria concerning sustainability …

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Sustainable Food Systems at UC Berkeley

  • University of California, Berkeley (CA)

In the arena of sustainability, we are continually finding ways to reduce our energy and water footprints. But food is essential. It is true that many developed nations have a …

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Appalocal Food: Establishing a farm-to-college program at Appalachian State University

  • Appalachian State University (NC)

Farm-to-college programs promote and serve locally produced foods in campus cafeterias. The benefits of integrating local food into institutions of higher education are numerous including supporting local farmers and the …

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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A Guide to Developing a Sustainable Food Purchasing Policy

  • Portland State University (OR)
  • AASHE (MA)
  • Food Alliance (OR)
  • Health Care Without Harm (VA)
  • Institute for Agricultural Trade and Policy (DC)

This guide is intended to help universities, colleges, hospitals, and other institutions - as well as those advocating for food system change - create, promote and implement practical sustainable food …

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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The feasibility of implementing a farm-to-college program at the University of Cincinnati

  • University of Cincinnati (OH)

Some of the major issues confronting environmental planners today are affected by the modern system of food production, distribution, and consumption. The major contributing factor to this relationship is movement …

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Big News on Campus

  • Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
  • Clemson University (SC)
  • Yale University (CT)

Provides information on the environmental practices of several colleges in the U.S. Benefits of the Yale Sustainable Food Project for local farmers; Condition of living at the dormitories in Carnegie …

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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RIT FoodShare

  • Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)

RIT FoodShare is an initiative designed to reduce food waste on campus while reducing food insecurity among RIT students. It consists of two components - a facebook group and a …

  • Posted June 12, 2015
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Addressing Food Insecurity at Portland Community College-Rock Creek Campus

  • Portland Community College (OR)

Our campus community faces food and nutritional challenges like much of the nation. Portland Community College's Rock Creek Campus, with 50% of the student population receiving financial aid, chose to …

  • Posted June 11, 2015
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UNT Health Science Center Community Garden: Connecting Health and Wellness to Sustainability

  • University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth (TX)

The University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) is a graduate school of health care professions with over 2,100 students. The UNTHSC Community Garden broke ground in early 2014 …

  • Posted June 11, 2015
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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

OP 8: Sustainable Dining

Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.

Food & Dining Partners