Western Washington University
OP-7: Food and Beverage Purchasing

We understand the vital importance of food in our daily lives and interactions. Our food choices have a significant impact on our health, our culture, and the natural environment in local and global economies. As an organization we are committed to strengthening our existing network and beginning new connections that make positive transitions from field to fork. We in the business of changing the culture of food by nourishing our guests with menus that emphasize fresh whole foods. These foods are grown and harvested locally and sustainably wherever possible and are prepared in ways that respect and maintain quality, freshness, and pureness. Aramark works with the following renowned sustainable food organizations to ensure that our food purchases follow our commitment to long-term environmental stewardship. - USDA Organic: USDA's National Organic Program regulates the standards for any farm, wild crop harvesting, or handling operation that wants to sell an agricultural product as organically produced. - Seafood Watch: A program of Monterey Bay Aquarium designed to raise consumer awareness about the importance of buying seafood from sustainable sources. Aramark follows the recommendations of Seafood Watch to make decisions with regards to which seafood to buy or avoid. - The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. Thanks to the participation in this program, Aramark meets rigorous standards to conserve biodiversity and provide sustainable livelihoods. - The Fair Trade Certified™ guarantees consumers that strict economic, social and environmental criteria were met to produce and trade a particular agriculture product. Fair Trade Certification is currently available in the U.S. for coffee, tea and herbs, cocoa and chocolate, fresh fruit, flowers, sugar, rice, and vanilla. - Food Alliance is a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable agriculture by recognizing and rewarding farmers who produce food in environmentally friendly and socially responsible ways, and educating consumers and others in the food system about the benefits of sustainable agriculture.

Inventory attached is an invoice of all purchases for a representative month.

Non Real Food that is community-based is defined as any purchase from any privately held or cooperatively run business based in Whatcom County. Regional food is defined as any food grown or raised in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, or British Columbia or food produced with regionally sourced food. Please find a sample of of few of our community-based and regional partners below: Avenue Bread, Bellingham, WA The Baglery, Bellingham, WA Draper Valley Farms, Mt. Vernon, WA Edaleen Dairy, Lynden, WA Erin Baker's Wholesome Baked Goods, Bellingham, WA Burton and Sons Fruit (E. WA) Chuckanut Bay Foods (Bellingham, WA) Herb Co. (Duval, WA) Island Spring Organics (Vashon, WA) Kunutzen Farms (Skagit Valley, WA) Ostroms Mushrooms (Olympia, WA) Rainier Fruit Co. (E. WA) Shepherd's Grain (E. WA) Tokyo House (Bellingham, WA) Auburn Dairy Products - Yami and Zoi Yogurt (Auburn, WA) Tilamook (Tilamook, OR)