Catering launch their Sustainable and Ethical Food Plan
The University's Catering Team are officially launching their plan for Sustainable and Ethical food. The plan illustrates the many ways catering are already being sustainable, and maps out actions to take for future improvement.
Key highlights of the plan include:
- Reducing plastic waste from catering:
The team have achieved an 82% reduction in plastic-use by taking actions like switching to milk pouches and reusable jugs. The Hideout Cafe on Stag Hill campus has officially gone plastic free too, part of this change is to offer freshly made bagels rather than pre-packaged food. Pre-packaged goods will still be available at Stageside and Hillside, with the team aiming to switch all plastic packaging to compostable and biodegradable packaging in the near future.
- Providing plant based & vegetarian food:
All catering outlets provide plant based and vegetarian food options. Hillside food serves a variety of vegan hot meals. The team aim to provide choice for all, whilst encouraging more sustainable eating habits.
- Serving ethical, sustainable and locally sourced goods:
Coffee served in our cafes is ethically sourced from Chimney Fire - a certified B Corporation® roastery in the heart of the Surrey Hills. Many of the providers catering partner with are from the local area, further reducing the carbon footprint of our food and supporting local businesses.
- Limiting food waste:
Chefs onsite make a conscious effort to design menu’s that use up all parts of food to limit wastage. Any pre-packaged goods leftover from the week are available for free at the Community Hub on Thursdays and Fridays (4:30PM to 6:30PM).
- Healthy eating:
A range of foods are provided across campus which aim to be healthy, such as the salad bar at Hillside and reduced sugar options across a range of foods.
- Tackling the cost of living crisis:
The Community Hub’s ‘Community Fridge’ is just one way the Catering Team are supporting staff and students during the cost of living crisis. Hillside food court have also launched “mega meal deals” – ensuring a variety of food options are available for all budgets.
Related sustainable development goals
