Duquesne University
OP-7: Food and Beverage Purchasing

Information for the inventory was obtained via Parkhurst Dining Services through their annual "Know Your Source" (KYS) Report. The KYS report tracks food and beverage purchases made through local FarmSource and Forged Partners initiatives, as well as verified/certified products, from June 1, 2020 through May 31, 2021. Parkhurst aims to continually source 20% or more of their total spend from local partners, however, this year's purchases were reduced to 17% due to supply chain issues that developed as result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It should also be noted that Parkhurst does not directly track plant-based purchases as described in the STARS criteria. However, plant-based purchases that were included in the KYS report (i.e. plant-based purchases that came from local sources), which only represent a very small percentage of total plant-based purchases, were listed in the inventory. According to Parkhurst management for Duquesne, it is estimated that ~50% of total spending are likely to be considered plant-based under STARS criteria, although this is not documented. Improved procedures for tracking plant-based purchases as described by STARS need to be established in future years in order to more accurately complete this section of the report.

By involving ourselves within the communities we serve, Parkhurst forms personal relationships with new and creative artisans that are producing unique, high-quality goods. Our Forged Partners are food makers and farmers that are looking to venture into new geography. They are family-owned and operated, they share our values, and, most importantly, they share our high culinary standards and passion for food. We love that we are able to help these businesses expand their distribution and bring their exciting and creative products to the guests across our region, in turn offering our client partners a specialized retail product mix that stands apart from their competition.

FarmSource is an initiative to source from the finest growers and producers of food in our communities letting the foods they produce influence our menu. FarmSource Partners grow, raise, or catch our produce, dairy, eggs, seafood, and meat. We believe the food journey begins with caring for ingredients and animals, so we go to great lengths to work with local farms who are doing the right thing. We believe these extra steps not only enable us to build valuable relationships with the local agricultural community, but also enhance the quality and freshness of our product offerings. In turn, providing our customers with the best locally grown food, from the best local partners.