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Reducing Food Waste

At Vanderbilt Campus Dining, we are proud to champion sustainability and food waste reduction as part of our commitment to the university’s goal of achieving zero waste. Our journey toward zero waste began in 2018 when our main dining centers achieved this milestone. By Fall 2021, every Campus Dining location reached zero waste status. Today, we continue to lead the charge in reducing food waste, recycling, and composting while educating our community about sustainable practices.

Milestones in Sustainability

  • 2019: Eliminated all single-use plastics and introduced blended burgers to reduce red meat usage.
  • 2020: Launched a surplus food donation program and added compost and recycling stations across campus.
  • 2021: Achieved carbon neutrality and expanded sustainable options in Grab n Go markets.
  • 2022: Implemented reusable to-go containers and introduced Sustainability Champions at each dining location.

Sustainable Menus for a Healthier Future

Our menus are thoughtfully crafted to bridge nature and culture, offering responsibly sourced, nutritious meals. From forecasting demand to serving meals and composting waste, we prioritize sustainability at every step.

Commitment to Innovation

As members of the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative, we embrace plant-forward menus that prioritize both nutrition and environmental health. Our LEED-certified dining locations and local purchasing practices further reduce our carbon footprint and support the community.

Innovative Technology & Practices

  • Streamline Software: Tracks, analyzes, and reduces food waste using intelligent scales, photo documentation, and detailed data reporting.
  • Composting with The Compost Company: Diverts all pre- and post-consumer food waste from landfills, transforming it into nutrient-rich compost that supports our campus landscaping.

 

Join Us in Reducing Food Waste

From tray return systems for proper waste disposal to compostable packaging and ongoing staff training, we are committed to reducing waste at every level. By choosing Vanderbilt Campus Dining, you’re supporting a sustainable future where nothing goes to waste.

Explore how you can contribute to Vanderbilt’s mission for zero waste by dining responsibly with us. Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable campus for generations to come.