sustainability initiatives

contributing to a responsible food system

Our dining team strives every day to create a responsible dining program. From working to minimize waste, support local partners with responsible sourcing, and creating green dining facilities, we are always looking for new ways to care for our world through a sustainable food system.



responsible sourcing

Our chefs work closely with local food systems to source our food responsibly. By sourcing seasonal ingredients and products produced with integrity, we can sustain responsible partners. To us, sustainable food means ingredients that are plant-based, 3rd party certified as sustainably produced and ingredients that are sourced from local and community based vendors.


Our team is passionate about incorporating local, seasonal ingredients into menus as much as possible. Redlands Dining has implemented a preferential purchasing system that identifies food grown or produced within 150 miles, and its sustainable attributes. Local produce is harvested closest to its peak for a fresher, more flavorful nutrient-filled result. Not only do local foods tend to be fresher, local purchasing reduces transportation carbon emissions and invests money into community based operations. Look for locally grown signage to taste the best flavors our area has to offer, celebrate the season selections, and support the local efforts of our community!


waste minimization

Through reusables, compostables, and recyclable materials, our teams strive to reduce waste in all forms.


Redlands Dining Services composts pre and post-consumer food waste. By diverting our food waste to compost, we decrease our landfill footprint and contribute to nutrient rich soil. We work closely with SURF & Garden here on campus who uses this food waste for their own composting as well as the used coffee grounds from The Den.