Overall Rating | Gold |
---|---|
Overall Score | 67.27 |
Liaison | Veronica Johnson |
Submission Date | Jan. 14, 2022 |
Southwestern University
OP-8: Sustainable Dining
Status | Score | Responsible Party |
---|---|---|
1.88 / 2.00 |
Andy
Bonczyka General Manager Dining Services |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Part 1. Sustainable dining initiatives
Local community engagement
Yes
A brief description of the farmers market, CSA or urban agriculture project:
The Dining Services department hosts a monthly farmers' market with rotating themes and featured vendors.
Sustainability-themed outlet
Yes
A brief description of the sustainability-themed food outlet:
The Simple Servings station is SU Dining Services' resident dining option, providing safe and appetizing food choices for customers with food allergies or gluten intolerance.
Inclusive and local sourcing
Yes
A brief description of the support for disadvantaged businesses, social enterprises, and/or local SMEs:
SU Dining Services supports local businesses and communities by purchasing from local producers and growers. SU Dining buys 100% of its fresh dairy products from local and regional farmers. In 2021, SU Dining partnered with TrueHarvest Farms located in Belton, TX to source all its lettuce and leafy green products.
Estimated percentage of total food and beverage expenditures on products from disadvantaged businesses, social enterprises, and/or local SMEs:
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Low-impact dining
Yes
A brief description of the low impact dining events and/or plant-forward options:
SU Dining Services hosts a special lunch for Earth Day, featuring plant-based options and local vendors.
Vegan dining program
Yes
A brief description of the vegan dining program:
At least one vegan entree is available for every meal at the Mabee Commons. Additionally, the salad bar is almost entirely vegan.
Labelling and signage
Yes
A brief description of the sustainability labelling and signage in dining halls:
There are multiple signs in the dining hall that promote the university's status as a Food Recovery Verified Institution, the composting program, and its partnership with TrueHarvest Farms.
Part 2. Food waste minimization and recovery
Food recovery program
No
A brief description of the food recovery competition or commitment program or food waste prevention system:
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Trayless dining and portion modifications
Yes
A brief description of the trayless dining or modified menu/portion program:
Southwestern Dining has opted to discontinue the use of trays. The removal of trays has reduced the amount of electricity, chemicals, and water used in the dining halls.
Food donation
Yes
A brief description of the food donation program:
SU Dining Services recovers and donates surplus food at least once per month to Helping Hands of Georgetown, a local hunger-fighting nonprofit organization. Southwestern University is a Food Recovery Verified institution. In 2020, SU Dining Services donated 891 pounds of surplus food to the Helping Hands, equating to more than 550 meals.
Food materials diversion
No
A brief description of the food materials diversion program:
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Composting
Yes
A brief description of the pre-consumer composting program:
Southwestern University has a contract with Break It Down Austin to compost organic waste and compostable material from the Mabee Commons.
Does the institution or its primary dining services contractor have a post-consumer composting program?:
Yes
A brief description of the post-consumer composting program:
Southwestern University has a contract with Break It Down Austin to compost organic waste and compostable material from the residential halls. This includes student personal waste as well as any uneatened post-consumer to-go meals.
Dine-in service ware
Yes
A brief description of the reusable service ware program:
All "dine-in" meals are served on reusable plates with reusable utensils and cups.
Take-away materials
Yes
A brief description of the compostable containers and service ware:
SU Dining Services offer green reusable to-go containers and utensils for take-out service. Dining also switched to recycled paper cups and paper straws for take-out to keep as many single-use plastic items from going to the landfills.
Does the institution or its primary dining services contractor offer discounts or other incentives to customers who use reusable containers instead of disposable or compostable containers in “to-go” food service operations?:
Yes
A brief description of the reusable container discount or incentives program:
There is a 25 cent upcharge for not using a reusable container for take-out.
Optional Fields
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Website URL where information about the sustainable dining programs is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.