Food Services Sustainability
Commitment to Sustainability
Food Services embraces sustainability through an integrated approach that aligns with the university's broader Sustainability Strategy, transforming dining into an experience that reflects those values. Since becoming Alberta's first designated Fair Trade campus in 2015 and the 10th in Canada, ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ has redefined campus dining with sustainability at the heart of Residence Dining, Retail Operations, and Catering. By implementing eco-conscious practices such as zero-waste events and sourcing ethical and local products, we focus on reducing our environmental impact while providing quality dining experiences.
Over 3,000 plant-forward and 2,000 vegan recipes to choose from at The Landing
Key Initiatives—Driving Positive Change
The Landing is a waste-conscious facility dedicated to sustainability and minimizing its environmental footprint through various eco-friendly practices, actively reducing waste, and promoting responsible resource use. The Landing prioritizes creating a culture of environmental awareness among students and staff alike. Dining practices include:
- Sorting compostable food scraps – Properly diverting food waste to composting, reducing landfill impact and enriching soil.
- Using reusable dishes and cutlery – Eliminating single-use plastics by providing washable, reusable dining utensils, plates, cups and mugs.
- Green cleaning products – Using environmentally safe, effective cleaning products that minimize harmful chemicals and environmental impact.
- Sustainable sourcing – 20% of all food purchased is sustainably certified, ensuring that ingredients are ethically sourced with minimal environmental impact.
- Sourcing locally – Helps strengthen regional economies, supports small-scale farmers and producers, and fosters a more resilient, sustainable food system within the community.
- Fair Trade coffee, tea and bananas – Offering only Fair Trade certified coffee, tea and bananas to support fair wages and sustainable farming practices for producers.
- Cooking oil recycling and repurposing – Collecting used cooking oil for recycling and repurposing, reducing waste and supporting a circular economy.
Integrating these practices into daily operations, The Landing supports sustainability and sets a model for environmentally-conscious dining on campus, empowering students to make a positive impact through their choices.
Every year, Food Services proudly partners with the Student Refugee Program, an initiative supporting young refugees in pursuing higher education. As part of this commitment, two All You Care to Eat (AYCTE) 5-day meal plans are donated to incoming students, along with a $600 VISA for food purchases. This support helps alleviate food insecurity and ensures access to nutritious meals, allowing students to focus on academics without the added stress of food access. It provides a strong foundation for their success in a new environment.
The Landing is dedicated to providing equitable access to nutritious meals for all students, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, both academically and personally. To ensure every student’s needs are met, The Landing offers various dining options, ensuring all students feel valued and supported. These options include:
- CoolFood meals – Offering climate-friendly meal options that reduce carbon emissions by featuring lower-impact ingredients and sustainable cooking methods.
- Plant-forward options – Vegetables, beans, and whole grains are more prominent on a plate while small amounts of meat are used almost as a garnish.
- Daily halal options – Offering culturally appropriate options for students who follow halal dietary practices.
- Special meals during Ramadan – Providing thoughtful, nutritious meals for students observing Ramadan, ensuring their needs are met during this important time.
- Dedicated vegan station – Featuring a range of plant-based dishes to cater to vegan students and those seeking plant-forward options.
- Wide selection of vegetarian dishes – A variety of meat-free options designed to meet the needs of vegetarian students.
- Creative options for food allergies and dietary restrictions – Thoughtfully crafted meals that accommodate food allergies, intolerances, and other dietary requirements.
- Cultural cuisine highlights – Showcasing global flavors and traditional dishes to celebrate cultural diversity and promote inclusivity.
Through these diverse options, The Landing creates a space where students feel valued and supported, with access to nourishing meals that reflect their unique backgrounds and needs.
Transitioning to life away from home can be challenging for first-year students, but having reliable, nutritious meals makes the adjustment easier. A well-structured 7-day meal plan, costing just $8.04 per meal, ensures that food and cooking are one less thing to worry about, allowing students to focus on their studies, social connections, and overall well-being. By providing convenient and nourishing meal options, this support helps students feel more at home and better equipped to thrive during this important
The Landing has over 3,000 plant-forward and 2,000 vegan recipes to create a space where good food and sustainability come together. It’s not just about the meals; we want every student to have access to nutritious options and feel supported and at home in our community.
Magdalena Goss
Associate Director – Food, Hotel & Conference Services
Key Initiatives Continued
Food Services actively participates in Fair Trade Week, an annual campus event at the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ that raises awareness about Fair Trade practices and promotes sustainable consumption. Throughout the week, Food Services highlights Fair Trade ingredients in daily menus, emphasizing the importance of ethical sourcing and responsible consumer choices. By engaging students and staff through interactive booths and events, Fair Trade Week fosters a deeper understanding of fair wages, ethical working conditions, and the broader impact of global trade
Each year, Food Services supports the by donating meal vouchers to The Landing, ensuring that students in need can access a nutritious breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Food Services works in collaboration with Student Experience and Support, the Students’ Union and the Graduate Students Association to help support the Campus Food Hub by donating all food ingredients and cooking supplies that support their current programs, including Ladle UP!, Affordable Food Market and the Breakfast program.
Retail food operations across campus are run with sustainability at their core. All packaging, cutlery, napkins and cups are compostable, eliminating the need for single-use plastics. Waste is sorted into compost and recycling bins using advanced Oscar Sort units. Staff utilize green cleaning products to reduce environmental impact. Food Services partners with local vendors like Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters and Tony's Hoagies to support our local economy.
Food Services ensures all catered events are zero-waste by using compostable plates, cutlery, napkins, and cups when china service is not requested. Drop-off catering uses compostable containers, and seasonal menus feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients to support local farmers and reduce carbon footprints.
The menu highlights Indigenous items, Fair Trade coffee and tea, and inclusive options to accommodate diverse dietary needs, promoting sustainability and cultural connection.
Traditions – Indigenous Storytelling Through Food menu options are available through Catering at ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½.
Aramark, ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½'s food service provider, managed by Food Services, launched the Traditions menu on campus. In collaboration with Chef Joseph Shawana, Aramark created Indigenous recipes that aim to reconnect people with Indigenous foodways and promote a greater appreciation of Indigenous culture and history. By embracing these dishes, ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ fosters inclusivity and deepens understanding of Indigenous heritage. Look for the Traditions identifier on the catering menu.
²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ Food Services In Proud Partnership With:
