University of Montana
OP-T2-6: Guidelines for Franchisees

The following language was incorporated in UM's RFP for Prime Vendor Contract for food services: 3.3.16 Sustainability. The University of Montana is committed to sustainability. This is largely addressed through purchasing ecologically and socially responsible products, goods, and services. Our preference is to purchase products that are sustainably produced, with first preference to Montana food products, then regional products from the Pacific Northwest, and finally, products that minimize the amount of food miles from origin to our campus. The University of Montana has an active and nationally recognized UM Farm to College Program (FTC). The FTC program supports agricultural economic development through the purchase of Montana food products. The program educates the campus community and others about Montana foods and agriculture, thereby strengthening connections between the urban and rural areas of our state. The program also seeks to reduce the environmental impacts of our purchases by shortening the physical distance that food travels. FTC products are those that are raised, grown, or wild harvested in Montana or unique to the state, processed or manufactured by a Montana-owned business, and/or processed or manufactured by any business that primarily uses raw materials from Montana. The FTC program provides an opportunity to merge the educational interests of the University seamlessly with regional economic and environmental needs. This program supports UM's dedication to our local agricultural economies by providing fresh, natural, and healthy food to the campus community. The University reserves the right to purchase FTC items outside of the Prime Vendor Contract. However, it is expected that the Contractor provide on a quarterly basis a list of products they carry that fit within the UM Farm to College Program and assist the University in procuring items that qualify for inclusion in the program. For further information visit http://life.umt.edu/dining/farm_to_college/default.php a) Please describe how you will support the University of Montana’s commitment to sustainability in the following areas: • Specifically state how your company addresses sustainability issues for maximum environmental, social, and economic impact. • How will you support the UM Farm to College Program and what products do you currently stock that meet the criteria? • What sustainability-related certifications (“eco-labels”) such as Fair Trade, Certified Humane, Food Alliance Certified, or Certified Organic does your company carry? • What measures has your company taken to address procurement of sustainable seafood and what products do you carry that have been certified under the Marine Stewardship Council or equivalent certifying agency? • Describe how your company will assist UDS in minimizing waste from product packaging and promote recyclability of used packaging.