Food Services is committed to integrating sustainability into its operations. Sustainability is the delicate balancing act of satisfying human needs today while protecting the environment for future generations. We are dedicated to continual improvement in the areas of local purchasing, environmentally friendly practices and global social responsibility. Listed below are some of the sustainable initiatives we are proud to be involved with and continue to support.
We believe in providing people with a choice regarding the type of food they consume. As society becomes more aware of the benefits of healthier eating, Food Services has taken a proactive role, constantly researching, developing and providing healthier dining choices.
We are committed to purchasing products that are local, seasonal and responsibly grown, raised or produced by local suppliers. We purchase locally grown produce whenever possible, helping to support the local community, and reduce the impact that transportation has on our environment.
Local produce retains a higher proportion of nutritional value than imported foods. Fresh, organic vegetables have significantly higher levels of vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus than conventional vegetables. Money spent in the community stays in the community longer, benefiting local retailers and residents.
Food services just received their Feast On certification program and it is the first and only University in Ontario to achieve this for their residence dining program.
About the Program
Feast On is a certification program that recognizes businesses committed to sourcing Ontario grown food and drink. Feast On operates as a social enterprise managed by the Culinary Tourism Alliance with the goal to increase access and awareness of quality local products.
Our mission is to be a sustainable contributor to our local economy and are always staying engaged with our local farmers and artisans and purchase locally grown produce right here in Leamington.
Most of our entrees are prepared from scratch, which cuts down on excessive packaging.
Food Services first introduced fair trade coffee on campus in the early 1990’s and has continued to promote that program for over 30 years. Our catering division serves fair trade Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee that is locally roasted and variety of fair-trade teas. Our non-franchised coffee shops brew fair-trade coffee from Marley Coffee and 4 O’clock teas. Food Services sell a variety premium fair trade chocolate products in our retail food locations and in vending machines. We are committed to sourcing fair trade products in our kitchens when possible. We also promote fair trade products and global initiatives by providing free copies of fair-trade magazines in our coffee shops that serve fair-trade products.
We use bulk condiments instead of individual portion packs whenever feasible, resulting in a tremendous reduction in packaging and resulting waste.
We recycle our glass, cardboard, paper, aluminum cans and cooking oil diverting several tonnes of material going into the landfill each year.
Recycling bins are situated in all areas of each facility making recycling convenient and easy for employees and customers.
Our department utilizes energy star rated equipment whenever possible that use 10-50% less energy and/or water.
We provide hand sanitizing stations within our eateries which promotes health and well-being throughout the campus community. Basic hand washing is one of the best ways to reduce the spread of communicable diseases.