Western Washington University Sustainable Dining

Type: Policy

Status: Ongoing

Source File: http://housing.wwu.edu/dining/sustainability/sustainable-dining.php

Description:

Food Alliance
Whenever possible, we purchase foods and/or ingredients that meet or exceed standards set by the Food Alliance. Food Alliance provides independent, third-party certification that farmers have met strict standards by conserving natural resources and wildlife habitats, reducing pesticide use, and providing safe and fair working conditions. We offer Food Alliance certified, locally grown Bellewood Acres apples.

Fair Trade Coffee
All Dining Services coffee served on campus is 100% fair trade certified by TransFairUSA. This certification empowers farmers to lift themselves out of poverty by paying them fair wage, teaching them sustainable growing methods and business skills, and investing in their communities.

Seafood Watch
Our commitment to preserve healthy oceans is evidenced by our participation in Seafood Watch, a program of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and part of Seafood Choices Alliance. This enables us to serve seafood that is the most plentiful, and safe from mercury or PCB contamination.

Local Foods
We purchase many locally sourced foods. A few examples are:

• Rocket Donuts (Bellingham)
• Tony's Coffee (Bellingham)
• Baker's Breakfast Cookies (Bellingham)
• Bellewood Acres Apples (Lynden)
• Edaleen Dairy Milk (Lynden)
• Local produce items are provided to us through Sysco food service and Duck Delivery Produce (Seattle).

In addition to what we already offer, University Dining Services is dedicated to increasing the amount of locally sourced food served on campus and seeks new local vendor relationships.