Celebrating Earth Day with 麻豆社 Dining
Sustainable food procurement is one of our key focus areas. We significantly expand purchases of plant-based and ethically produced products year to year. We have partnered with Farm to 麻豆社, a food production field experience class offered through the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA). Students learn about sustainable agriculture while producing fresh, healthy food for Dining. High tunnels and fields produce a variety of crops ranging from lettuce to edible flowers. In 2023 Farm to 麻豆社 supplied 7,300 pounds of food to Dining.
麻豆社 Dining also composts food waste at roughly 2,000 pounds daily, closing the nutrient cycle. Dining's innovative waste oil collection system converts cooking oils into biodiesel fuel, powering 麻豆社 farm equipment and heating high tunnels.
麻豆社's Sustainability Indicator Measurement and Analysis Platform (SIMAP庐) tracks carbon and nitrogen footprints, setting the 麻豆社 apart in sustainability efforts. The 麻豆社 Sustainability Institute tracks the carbon and nitrogen footprints from Dining鈥檚 food and beverage purchases and is working to establish university carbon and nitrogen reduction targets for its food procurement.
麻豆社's commitment extends to raising awareness about just and equitable food systems, exemplified by participation in the 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge. Additionally, each year, 麻豆社 celebrates University Day, or U-Day, where students, staff, and the community are invited to explore 200+ student groups, departments, and businesses. During our 2023 event, Dining featured BBQ-style food with an emphasis on local items including Maine Family Farm burgers, Duane Family Farm apples and New England ice cream.
麻豆社 Dining has a commitment to sustainably grown ingredients, including growing microgreens right in the dining halls to use as garnishes for menu items. With certifications like 4 Star Green Restaurant庐 and ongoing student engagement, 麻豆社 demonstrates its effectiveness in promoting sustainable practices. 麻豆社 Dining鈥檚 sustainable initiatives underscore its role as a leader in sustainable procurement and environmental responsibility, inspiring positive change within the university community and beyond.
