SUSTAINABLE FOOD PROCUREMENT
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From farm to fork, we're developing menus that include food raised, harvested and produced in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. We purchase from a variety of local farmers and producers including University of Minnesota Meat Lab, Cheese Lab and the University’s Student Cornercopia Farm. |
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Local Foods
UDS has an on-going partnership with Midwest Food Alliance, an organization providing certification of products grown with environmentally friendly and socially responsible agricultural practices. In 2010, UDS purchased 182,913 pounds of local produce, 45,980 pounds of local meat, 21,517 pounds of local bakery products and 919,554 gallons of local dairy products.
We are proud to purchase from these local farmers & producers:
- Andrew Boss Meat Lab - University of Minnesota Campus
- Student Cornercopia Farm - University of Minnesota Campus
- Cheese Lab - University of Minnesota Campus
- University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum - Chaska, MN
- Franklin Street Bakery - Minneapolis, MN
- Axdahl Farms - Stillwater, MN
- Bushel Boy - Owatonna, MN
- Compart Family Farms - Nicolett, MN
- Costa Farms - White Bear Lake, MN
- Echten Hidden Acres - Center City, MN
- Ed Fields & Sons - Anoka, MN
- Jack and the Green Sprout - River Falls, WI
- Zyweic Farms - Cottage Grove, MN
- Nagel Produce - Arlington, MN
- Nuto Farms - Rice Lake, WI
- Pahl Farms - Apple Valley, MN
- Pepin Heights Orchard - Lake City, MN
- Riverside Farms - Elk River MN
- Salsa Lisa's - St. Paul, MN
- Svihel Vegetable Farms - Foley, MN
- Thousand Hills Cattle Company - Cannon Falls, MN
- Vine Valley Farms - Stewart, MN
- Waterworks/Robs Gourmet - Hollandale, MN
- Wescott Orchard - Elgin, MN
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Heartland Food Network
UDS is a charter member of the Minnesota Heartland Food Network. This network works to increase the availability and variety of local and organic foods through diverse distribution systems. UDS hosts Third Thursday events promoting locally grown products on the 3rd Thursday of every month at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
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Organics
Organic menu offerings are available at UDS’ campus convenience stores located in Centennial, Middlebrook and Sanford Halls, Essentials Market in West Bank’s Blegen Hall and Cone 10 Cafe in Regis Center for Arts. In 2010, UDS purchased 1,240 pounds of organic produce.
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Sustainable Coffee
UDS offers fair trade, organic and rainforest alliance coffees and espresso drinks in restaurants and coffee shops on campus. Four of UDS’ cafés – Hay Loft Café, CityKid Java Café, Java City at Essentials Market and Food for Thought Cafe offer 100% sustainable coffees.
What is Fair Trade Coffee?
Fair trade coffee is purchased directly from the growers for a higher price than standard coffee.The purpose of fair trade is to promote healthier working conditions and greater economic incentive for producers.
What is Rainforest Alliance Coffee?
The Rainforest Alliance is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travelers into sustainable practices.
What is Organic Coffee?
Coffee that has been grown according to organic farming standards and techniques, without the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.
In 2010, University Dining Services purchased 3,585 pounds of Rainforest Alliance Coffee, 9,194 pounds of Fair Trade coffees, 1,094 pounds of Rainforest Allience teas, 27 pounds of Fair Trade teas and 2,278 pounds of sustainable CityKid Java coffee.
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Cage Free Eggs
UDS serves cage free eggs in residential dining locations. Cage free eggs are produced from un-caged hens, raised in barns and other open environments. In 2010, University Dining Services purchased 92,331 pounds of cage free eggs.
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