California Polytechnic State University
IN-26: Innovation C

The Real Food Cooperative’s goal is to supply more real food products (local and community based, Fair Trade, ecologically sound, humane, etc.) to Cal Poly campus and provide students with the opportunity to learn how to manage and establish a food service operation. Students will be involved in purchasing ingredients, food preparation, and the selling of food products at the Real Foods food booth. The Real Food Cooperative also supports other student enterprises by sourcing products from Cal Poly Meats, Creamery, Chocolates, and Organic Farm. The Real Food Collaborative is dedicated to educating peers about food systems and cultivating a student community of foodies. The student led club prepares food and hosts a weekly vending booth on Dexter Lawn providing gourmet grab-and-go meals. The meals are typically vegan and with their food service the student volunteers educate their peers on the benefits of eating a plant based diet. The group recently finalized a business plan to reinstate a Community Supported Ag produce box that sources organic produce from the Cal Poly farm and other local farmers and then sell shares directly to Cal Poly student, staff and faculty. This innovative approach allows students a path to providing the campus community with fresh and prepared food outside of the currently available options of campus dining.