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Sustainability Sustainability
  1. Sustainability
  2. Focus Areas
  3. Food and Dining
fruits and vegetables

Food and Dining

UC Commitment

  • Procure 20% sustainable food products for campus and medical foodservice operations.

Highlights

  • Housing*Dining*Hospitality launches Rooted in Flavor initiative that promotes principles of healthy and sustainable menus.
  • In fiscal year 2021–22, an estimated 31% of UC San Diego’s total food and beverage spend was considered sustainable. Housing*Dining*Hospitality features include:
    • All coffee and sugar sold at the markets and dining locations are Fair Trade Certified
    • All eggs used in HDH facilities are cage-free
    • Seafood is sourced from certified Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or certified by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch

Campus Actions

Community Gardens

UC San Diego has several campus gardens and one San Diego community garden that promote education and growing sustainable food and local produce. Students can grow their own fruits and vegetables on campus.

Choose Vegetarian and Vegan Options

  • University Centers
  • The Food Co-op This vegan and vegetarian only student-run food store features a fresh, organic salad bar, bagels, bulk trail mix, soups and a variety of other foods and beverages. They are also featuring The Hare Krishna Temple located in the storefront, serving lunch only on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Their Indian-style food includes Jamaica Water, lemonade, rice and vegetables, Halvah (Indian pastry), Spinach Masala and Minestrone Stew.
  • Housing*Dining*Hospitality Markets and restaurants have vegan and vegetarian options available daily with menus Rooted in Flavor. Specific vegan and vegetarian items may vary by location and time of year. HDH dining locations also offer whole grain alternatives to your meal. View menus, hours and nutrition information.

Tips for Eating Healthy, Organic, Locally-Grown Food on a Budget

  • Evaluate your options. Check out the natural foods section at the supermarket, or visit your local natural foods market. You’ll find many items that are comparably priced.
  • Buy seasonal produce. Local farmers' markets are a great source for fresh, seasonal produce.
  • Check for sales and coupons. Many natural products have coupons on the package that can be redeemed at checkout.
  • Buy in bulk. You can purchase grains, pastas, dried fruits and nuts in bulk isles at local grocery and natural foods stores. No matter how much you buy, you’re not paying for packaging.

UC-Wide Actions

Global Food Initiative

The University of California Global Food Initiative addresses one of the critical issues of our time: how to sustainably and nutritiously feed a world population expected to reach eight billion by 2025.

Global Food Initiative Fellowship

The UC President’s Global Food Initiative Student Fellowship Program funds student-generated research, related projects or internships that focus on food issues. See a list of fellows.

Resources