UC Davis Exceeds Goals For 20% Sustainable Food Procurement By 2020

UC Davis Dining Services utilizes the criteria listed by the University of California within the Sustainable Practices Policy guidelines to determine percentages of sustainable food purchases made each year.

Over the 2013/2014 fiscal year, 23% of all food purchases were locally grown and/or sustainably produced.

Resident Dining – 29% of all food purchases are from sustainable sources

• 27% of all meat and seafood purchases are sustainable

• 100% of all eggs are cage-free, humane

• 50% of dairy purchases are local and humane certified

• 70% of produce is local (within 250 miles) and/or organic certified

Retail Dining – 11% of all food purchases are from sustainable sources

• 75% of dairy purchases are local and humane certified

• 28% of produce is local (within 250 miles)

"Food purchases that meet these criteria are locally sourced or guaranteed by independent third parties and set standards that are better for the environment, animals and people," said Ben Thomas, Sustainability Manager for UC Davis Dining Services.

Since implementing a sustainable food program in 2006, UC Davis Dining Services continues to expand sustainable food choices in both resident and retail dining. 

UC Davis is also unique in producing its own commercially viable foods, with the Student Farm and Russell Ranch research farms providing organic produce, tomatoes and wheat flour to Dining Services. These foods are included as 'Campus Grown' in the criteria for sustainable food.

Using a calculator developed by the UC Davis Graduate School of Management, student interns work each summer to add up food purchases and create an annual report is based on a full fiscal year analysis of all food purchases. It takes a total of 80+ hours of student intern and full time staff support to complete.

"Dining Services is thankful for our suppliers in working with us to provide an accurate and detailed look at our purchases. We use this data throughout the year to measure our impact and better understand where we can improve." said Thomas.

About UC Davis Dining Services

UC Davis Dining Services is recognized as one of the best dining programs and best colleges for food in the United States, having contributed to UC Davis earning the #1 Cool School Sierra Magazine award, an "A" rating from College Prowler, is ranked 17th best college dining services by the Daily Meal, and is receiving accolades for its vegan-friendly dining program. Campus-grown products, natural materials, foods, and packaging, proper farming and trade practices, and recycling programs are an integral part of everyday operations.