Rio Salado College
IN-1: Innovation 1

Rio Salado College is claiming the Innovation Credit for the Café@Rio. The Café @ Rio is a sustainable teaching kitchen that serves students, faculty, staff and the local community. The philosophy of the Café @ Rio is simple: to serve sustainable food that nourishes the body and soul while not compromising future generations from doing the same. The Café @ Rio is also an integral part of the Sustainable Food Systems program. The Café @ Rio’s sustainable features: •Energy efficient appliances •Tray-less dining •Compostable and recyclable food/beverage containers •Interior decorated with environmentally friendly paints and adhesives The café strives for zero waste generation through comprehensive recycling and composting. We feature seasonal menus, locally-produced food, and food that is produced using humane labor practices. Each week, the Café @ Rio’s chefs contact local farmers, ranchers and artisans to see what products are at the peak of freshness. These products are featured in daily specials in the café, allowing the chefs creative freedom to use what is being harvested from local farms in our community. By developing partnerships with local producers , the Café is stimulating the local economy while reducing “food miles.” In turn, the café receives and prepares better tasting ingredients. Students in Rio Salado’s Sustainable Food Systems program also contribute to our fresh product selection. Vegetables grown as part of the Organic Gardening class are prepared and served in the café. The Café @ Rio bridges the gap between consumer and sustainable producer. Through education, both students and café guests will help alter sustainable food practices by increasing the number of consumers who are committed to sustainable food production and consumption.