Virginia Commonwealth University
OP-7: Food and Beverage Purchasing

Both Aramark and VCU are committed to sustainable dining and are constantly looking to improve, and decrease our environmental impact. Additional information on the commitment of dining services is below, additional information on Aramark's commitment to sustainability can be found here-http://www.aramark.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility/environmental-sustainability VCU Dining Services is committed to increasing our use of local items in our retail locations and reducing our environmental “foodprint.” We will offer organic coffee and food options. We will also introduce our reusable mug and bag programs at every location with a Going Green Day where customers receive a discount when using these items. • We will continue to source and offer Fair Trade products in our coffee locations and convenience stores. • We will continue to recycle 100 percent of our fryer oil waste. • We will continue to feature Green and Blue Cleaning products in our operations. • We will continue to be 100 percent trayless in all dining locations to help reduce food waste. • We will continue to advocate recycling and waste management in all locations. • We will continue to promote sustainable practice menu items complete with product mix solutions, promotional materials, and packaging and pricing solutions highlighting local menu items. • We will continue to participate in RecycleMania, Earth Day, and other cause-related events. • We will continue to promote Waste Week, focusing on encouraging students to reduce the amount of food that is wasted. For every pound of waste reduced, ARAMARK donates a pound of food the Central Virginia Food Bank. • We will continue to promote the VCU Reusable Mug program, which offers discounts to customers who use reusable beverage containers. • We use 100 percent biodegradable and compostable packaging, cups, and trash liners in each of our proprietary brand locations. • Use biodegradable prepackaged food when available. • Use wrapper-free straws and disposable silverware when practical and sanitary. • Continued engagement with our local farming community partners. • We will continue to look for community partnerships that will provide exposure for the Virginia Commonwealth University’s sustainability program. • Continue to use solar compactor at Shafer Court Dining Center. Compaction of the deposited trash increases capacity and reduces the frequency of weekly trash collection trips by up to 80 percent, thus saving on labor, fuel, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Data is for calendar year 2017. Aramark serves as VCU's primary food service provider. They provided a detailed food inventory for the purpose of this report. Aramark strives to purchase, when possible, local, fresh produce. Aramark tracks their sustainable food and beverages purchased, through their own proprietary tracking system. The original location of the food item, is how the location is determined.

Many of the foods in the inventory are Third party verified, but not via the verification systems STARS accepts. See inventory above for other third-party verifications.

https://vcu.campusdish.com/Sustainability.aspx