Nourishing Our Community
Sustainability in dining encompasses practices that promote environmental stewardship and positive social impact.
While balancing the many demands of providing our core services (residential and retail dining, catering services, and concessions), Campus Dining considers the broader context of social and environmental issues surrounding food production, distribution, and preparation. This consideration has led to several ongoing initiatives that shift purchases towards foods produced with lower environmental impacts, reducing dining hall waste, and strengthening our ties with the local community.
We are continuously seeking ways to minimize the amount of waste produced on campus and increase the overall efficiency of our operations through several initiatives. Whether we are tackling plastic reduction or minimizing food waste, we take a “one small action at a time” approach believing that these small individual actions create greater change.
As the world grapples with the twin challenges of climate change and finite natural resources, energy conservation has emerged as a pivotal strategy in securing a sustainable future. By reducing energy consumption through improved efficiency and innovative technologies, we can mitigate environmental impact, lower costs, and enhance energy security. This proactive approach not only addresses the urgent need to combat global warming but also fosters economic resilience and promotes a healthier planet for future generations.
It Starts with the Ingredients
We make it a priority to purchase local and sustainably-produced food.
We make it a priority to purchase local and sustainably-produced food. We want to understand precisely where our ingredients come from, and share that information.
By The Numbers
455.5
tons of food waste sent for composting
3.94
tons of food waste sent to campus as lab
SCRAP Lab
18,158
pounds of cooking oil collected and recycled for biodiesel
7000
alumni supported for compost collection at Reunions in partnership with the Eco Rep team
Community Engagement
Farmers’ Market
Campus Dining has been a partner of the farmers’ market since it launched in 2007 by Greening Princeton, a student organization devoted to improving environmental sustainability, and is staffed by volunteers from the group. Members of the University and local communities are able to purchase fresh locally grown produce and other goods from area farmers and businesses that use sustainable practices. Typically, vendors provide a range of items including Jersey Fresh fruits and organic vegetables, cold pressed juices, Jersey Fresh honey, locally-made breads, nut butters, organic sandwiches and salads, gluten-free baked goods, and much more! Campus Dining partners with local purveyors to support the weekly market with cooking demonstrations and recipe tastings highlighting seasonal produce.
Upcoming Farmer's Market Events
Greening Dining
Since 2002, Campus Dining has regularly met with students and the Office of Sustainability to discuss issues around our food system and waste management. The student group hosts various food and waste related events and is a key partner in peer education.
Tiger Box Reusable Container Pilot
The Tiger Box Reusable Container Program is designed to reduce packaging waste in support of Princeton’s Sustainability Action Plan.
The pilot program is open to students, staff, and faculty with a TigerCard. Based on the outcome of the pilot program, we will consider program expansion for the Fall. The program will be available at: Chemistry CaFe and EQuad Café
Food Waste Awareness
Campus Dining has partnered with the student organization Greening Dining and the Office of Sustainability to expand food waste awareness and collection with temporary, pop-up events across campus.
Sustainibility Timeline
Campus Dining has a long history of incorporating innovative sustainable practices into our operations. Follow our journey from our first recycled-content napkin through our current initiatives.
Partnerships and Awards
We're proud to partner with the following organizations. Our award winning programs and initiatives demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability while contributing to a healthier planet and inspiring others to take action.