Be Sustain-A-BULL!
At USF Dining, we are dedicated to fostering a positive influence on both our community and the environment. Aligned with the University of South Florida's sustainability goals, we actively contribute to the promotion of a sustainable lifestyle by minimizing emissions, expanding our range of sustainable food options, and combating food waste.
Through our initiative, Be Well. Do Well., we are committed to diminishing our environmental footprint through the implementation of innovative and impactful programs. These initiatives not only nourish and diversify our student body's culinary experience but also bolster our ecosystem, enriching and preserving it for future generations.
Responsible Sourcing
USF Dining is dedicated to strengthening our local community by prioritizing the sourcing of locally-grown, seasonal, and sustainably produced food whenever possible. Our leadership fosters partnerships with a variety of local suppliers, ensuring that our students have consistent access to fresh, wholesome meals at all of our residential dining locations. By promoting a sustainable local food system and economy, we not only provide nourishment to our students but also actively contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of our community.
Discover an abundance of Plant Forward choices across our dining locations. At Juniper Dining (Tampa) and The Nest (St. Pete), students can enjoy a dedicated Vegan station. Additionally, The Hub features a diverse selection of Vegan options spread across its nine stations, complemented by a daily vegan dessert offering at our all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
Waste Management
We are committed to reducing food waste within our dining halls. At The Hub, Juniper Dining, and The Nest, we have tray-less dining, urging students to take only what they plan to eat and return for more servings if desired. At The Nest, we employ LeanPath, a cutting-edge food waste prevention technology that utilizes digital scales and software to meticulously track and analyze food waste. This system identifies opportunities for improvement, guiding USF Dining toward more efficient food management practices in real-time. By leveraging LeanPath's insights, we minimize waste and operate more sustainably.
Furthermore, as part of our dedication, USF Dining donates excess food to on-campus food pantries, resulting in over 12,000 pounds of donations to date.
Efficient Operations
Through Filta Fry, USF Dining is able to reduce the usage of fryer oil. By regularly filtering and maintaining fryer oil, FiltaFry helps USF Dining extend the life of their cooking oil. This reduces the frequency with which oil needs to be replaced, ultimately decreasing overall oil consumption. Proper fryer maintenance leads to less oil waste. Clean oil can be used for longer periods, reducing the volume of discarded oil and decreasing the environmental impact associated with its disposal. Efficiently maintained fryers consume less energy. FiltaFry's services help optimize fryer performance, leading to lower energy usage and reduced carbon emissions associated with energy production. By promoting more efficient oil usage, reducing waste, and improving energy efficiency, FiltaFry's services contribute to a more sustainable operation within USF Dining.
Reduce Disposables
In an effort to reduce waste, our disposable footprint, and negative environmental impacts, USF Dining launched the OZZI Reusable To-Go Program in 2021. OZZI containers are made with recycled materials and can take the place of 300 disposable containers. Meal plan holders are able to opt in to our OZZI Reusable To-Go container program for $5 at our dining halls. To learn more, click here.
Additionally, USF Dining continues to concentrate on reducing single-use plastics through the elimination of plastic straws and bags from most of our retail locations. Many of our restaurant brands on campus are utilizing compostable and recyclable materials for packaging now.
Seas of Sustainability: Responsible Seafood Sourcing
We prioritize sourcing seafood from suppliers who are committed to maintaining healthy marine life and ecosystems, while also respecting workers and communities. All of our canned tuna comes from fisheries aligned with our Sustainable Seafood Policy, ensuring ethical sourcing practices. We are dedicated to increase our purchasing within the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch and pledged in 2021 to prioritize species verified as Responsibly Harvested by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) across the New England region. Through our partnerships and intentional sourcing standards we are able to serve up the finest fish while actively promoting the health of ocean ecosystems!
Our Four Planet Priorities
Promoting planetary health on our path to net zero emissions. Review our Environmental, Social, Governance site for more information!
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Source SustainablySource products that meet our standards for protection of people, animals, biodiversity, and the environment. |
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Minimize Food WasteReduce food waste by focusing on prevention, recovery, and recycling. |
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Embed CircularityRedesign operations with circularity in mind, reduce consumption of single-use plastics and other disposables, and expand opportunities to reuse, recycle, and compost. |
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Operate EfficientlyConserve water and energy, and reduce fuel consumption. |
