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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Sustaining Local Producers Through University Purchasing
- Johns Hopkins University (MD)
Universities have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in their local economies by buying local. Through their large purchasing power in food procurement, universities can support a local food …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Local, Sustainable, Grassfed and Delicious: Harvest Table North Carolina Case Study
- Wake Forest University (NC)
- Changing Tastes (MA)
- Harvest Table Culinary Group (PA)
More than two decades of work to promote local, sustainable and real food in colleges has transformed what it means to succeed in foodservice. It's raised awareness of the carbon …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Going Beyond Local to Build Just and Sustainable Rural Economies
- University of Missouri (MO)
- Aramark (PA)
- Farm Forward (OR)
- Niman Ranch (CO)
Historically, the phrase 'sustainable food' focused exclusively on environmental impacts of food production, but to build a truly sustainable food system we must broaden the aperture to consider how the …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Supporting a Sustainable Economy Through Partnership With Local Food Hubs
- Gonzaga University (WA)
- Sodexo USA (MD)
- Puget Sound Food Hub (WA)
- LINC Foods (WA)
This session will showcase how to effectively collaborate with local producers to build a more sustainable economy through increased purchases of local products and to raise awareness about food systems …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Meatless to Mindful Monday: The Progression of Promoting Less and Better Meat at UNC Asheville
- University of North Carolina, Asheville (NC)
In this presentation, we will review the evolution of one school's efforts to promote less and better meat eating on campus. In 2015, UNC Asheville Dining Services began hosting monthly …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Combating Food Insecurity Through Sustainable Student-Led Initiatives
- Baldwin Wallace University (OH)
This case study will include information on the efforts of staff, faculty, and students to eliminate food insecurity among students on Baldwin Wallace's campus. The project began about three years …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Campus Farmers Networking Meeting
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
- University of Utah (UT)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
Join other campus farmers and food system advocates in creating a robust, interdisciplinary network of campus-based growers and partners. Find someone in your region or across the nation to share …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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The Pursuit of Delicious, Carbon-Friendly Food
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
This year, with customer health and the environment in mind, Cal Dining defined their vision statement as 'serving delicious food that happens to be nutritious and sustainable', understanding that serving …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Implementing Experiential Education to Change Food Culture in Non-Land Grant Universities
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
This presentation will cover lessons learned in creating and adapting an experiential sustainable agriculture program as it applies to a non-land grant university, without a dedicated agriculture program. Indiana University …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Big Red Eats Green: Empowering Students to Engage in their University Food System
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
This presentation will share the details of an established, multi-year endeavor that focuses on the relationship between students and the university food system. An event that celebrates and showcases that …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Food as a Conduit: A Toolkit for Leading Institutional Change
- Boston College (MA)
Change is hard. This interactive session will explore how non-academic campus services like dining, auxiliary and facilities can inspire a culture of sustainability and collaboration across campus and beyond. Boston …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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We Have POWER: Building a Movement for Food Justice on Campus
- Western Washington University (WA)
- Real Food Challenge (AZ)
Our food system is in crisis. From the fields to the factories, people who work in the food chain face low wages, sexual harassment, and dangerous working conditions. Food insecurity …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Training Future Food System Leaders Using Campus Food Economies
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
- University of Utah (UT)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
This session is guided by two principle questions: 1. What are all the aspects of a campus food economy and how are students engaged? 2. What structures are in place …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Gonzaga's Journey to Create a Sustainable Food Culture on Campus
- Gonzaga University (WA)
Real Food Club has been working to shift purchasing in our dining facilities to 'Real food' (meaning local, humane, fair-trade, or ecologically sound) since 2013. We are nearing upon the …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Harvard University's Holistic Approach and Model for a Sustainable Food System
- Harvard University (MA)
The Harvard Office for Sustainability (OFS) convened a multi-disciplinary committee of world-renowned faculty to translate their research into action on campus to create a more sustainable food system that contributes …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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The Future of Real Food
- Real Food Challenge (AZ)
The past ten years have seen a dramatic shift in real food purchasing on college and university campuses. Local food and sustainability are now common conversations in campus dining. Values …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Fair Trade Campus Advocacy for a Sustainable Economy
- Gonzaga University (WA)
- Fair Trade Colleges & Universities
Fair Trade Campaigns is a powerful grassroots movement mobilizing thousands of conscious consumers and Fair Trade advocates on campuses and in communities across the U.S. Our Fair Trade Colleges & …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Leveraging the Power of Institutional Purchasing to Create a Sustainable Economy through Fair Trade
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- University of California, Irvine (CA)
- Aramark (PA)
- Fair Trade Colleges & Universities
Fair Trade Campaigns is a powerful grassroots movement mobilizing thousands of conscious consumers and Fair Trade advocates on campuses and in communities across the U.S. Our Fair Trade Colleges & …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Food Systems Down Under: Lessons from the Australian Context and The Fair Food Challenge
- University of Melbourne (Victoria)
This presentation will look at action in campus food systems in Australian universities. Australia has been slow to adopt action in campus foodscape transformation and there have been recent advancements …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Bring More Plant-Based Options to Your Campus
- Balanced.org (KS)
In this session, attendees will learn how to work with their university's food service department to increase the amount of plant-based foods on dining hall menus. They'll learn how to …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Creating a Student-Led Campaign for a Self-Operated Dining System: How to get Started at Your School
- Western Washington University (WA)
At Western Washington University, students have been leading a multi-year effort to implement a self-operated dining system after the decade long contract with Aramark expires in 2021. Currently, WWU is …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Lessons Learned from a Campus Food Pantry: Sustainability, Social Justice, and Campus Partnerships
- University of Denver (CO)
Hunger and food insecurity are growing problems on college campuses. The rising cost of a college education and the increasing number of nontraditional students mean that more students are struggling …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Student Food Security: Multi-Tiered Solutions to Reach all Food-Insecure Students
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
- Sodexo USA (MD)
- Swipe Out Hunger (CA)
Student food insecurity is a social justice issue that University and College Boards, Administrators, and Students are looking to solve. There are no silver bullet solutions, a comprehensive, multi-faceted solution …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Combating Food Waste and Addressing Food Insecurity
- Appalachian State University (NC)
- University of the Incarnate Word (TX)
- Utah State University (UT)
Three Universities, from three different areas of the United States, will present on how each has responded to the issue of Food Insecurity on College Campuses in unique ways. University …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Action in Campus Food: Developing a Framework to Measure Progress in Campus Foodscape Transformation
- University of Melbourne (Victoria)
This presentation will share the results of a systematic review of 23 institutions' campus food policies and projects using a dataset derived from the STARS food and dining reporting category. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Diverting Waste, Feeding Communities: The Cardinal Cupboard
- University of Louisville (KY)
Facing the highest rates of food insecurity amongst faculty, staff, and students of the University of Louisville and large amounts of food waste from on-campus dining facilities, student leaders opened …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Working Towards Carbon Neutrality in Michigan Dining: Assessing the Impact of Sustainable Mondays
- University of Michigan (MI)
In Fall 2018, the University of Michigan publicly pledged to a carbon-neutrality initiative. This pledge addressed carbon emissions from energy production and purchasing, but did not consider Scope 3 emissions, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Mapping the Food Systems Major: A Qualitative Approach to Curriculum Mapping
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
Do you want to make curriculum mapping a more meaningful process? This session will describe a qualitative curriculum mapping approach used to review core courses in the University of Minnesota's …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Foodies in Sustainability Education
- Portland Community College (OR)
In this workshop we will connect and exchange ideas on how best to utilize food to teach sustainability across disciplines. Food has a central place in individual lives, community culture, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Aquaponics: How a Student Project led to a Sustainable Solution to Food Insecurity in the Community
- Pittsburg State University (KS)
Students at Pittsburg State University (PSU) have made measurable success in creating a sustainable food production system on campus. This poster will focus on Students for Sustainability's (S4S) aquaponics system …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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MCURC: Universities Scaling Up Sustainability Together
- The Culinary Institute of America (NY)
- Stanford University (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
The Menus of Change University Research Collaborative (MCURC) is a working group of scholars and campus dining leaders from colleges and universities interested in accelerating efforts to move American consumers—and …
- Posted Nov. 13, 2019
- Videos & Webinars
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Sustainable tea and tea bags
- Ohio University (OH)
Ohio University's Office of Sustainability partnered with Ohio University's Environmental Affairs Commission on student senate to host a sustainable tea and tea bag event. This event used loose leaf tea …
- Posted Nov. 7, 2019
- Photographs
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University of Vermont Eco-Reps Food Campaign Case Study
- University of Vermont (VT)
The 2018-2019 professional development offering for the UVM Eco-Reps was a symposium centered around food concerns entitled Taking Root Student Symposium. Having been introduced to a wide variety of food-related …
- Posted Sept. 24, 2019
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Campus Composting Best Practices
- Appalachian State University (NC)
- Princeton University (NJ)
- University of Louisville (KY)
- College & University Recycling Coalition (DC)
Campus Composting Best Practices: Strategies for student engagement & food waste and compostable serveware diversion
Program originally took place May 9, 2019
Presenters:
Jen Maxwell, Sustainability Programs Manager Appalachian State …
- Posted Aug. 22, 2019
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Luther College CSA Reimbursement Program
- Luther College (IA)
Participants in Luther College's CSA Reimbursement Program enjoy a summer workshop about seasonal vegetables.
- Posted Aug. 1, 2019
- Photographs
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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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The Good Store
- University of Northern British Columbia (BC)
- Prince George Public Interest Research Group (BC)
The Good Store is a low waste shop established on the UNBC campus to provide all members of the community with access to affordable, healthy and sustainable food options. The …
- Posted May 17, 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
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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.