Overall Rating Silver
Overall Score 61.63
Liaison Leslie North
Submission Date March 1, 2024

STARS v2.2

Western Kentucky University
IN-47: Innovation A

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.50 / 0.50 Leslie North
Director of Sustainability
Geography and Geology
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Farm-to-Campus

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
We have launched a farm-to-campus program wherein we grow produce, raise meat, and process dairy products on our WKU Farm property for use in our on-campus dining facilities. The food (pre- and post-consumer) waste from the dining facilities are transported to our farm where they are converted into compost, which is then used in our on-campus landscape beds and to grow more food to serve in our dining halls. Scholarships from compost sales are used to support students studying Agriculture and Food Science. Signage is placed at the farm-to-campus plots of land to educate people about the importance of sourcing food locally. Further, the program gives environmental science and agriculture science students an opportunity to learn first-hand by growing, harvesting, and selling the crops. Additionally, to meet food handling safety guidelines, students are certified in proper food processing and harvesting, giving them another marketable certification post-graduation.

Optional Fields

A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
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None
The website URL where information about the innovation is available :
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
https://www.wku.edu/news/articles/index.php?view=article&articleid=10980

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