Sustainability initiatives on the Halifax and Truro campuses
Aramark and ±«Óătv University work together to ensure commitment to sustainability so that, together, we can make better choices that have a positive impact on our planet.
Locally sourced
We’re committed to maintaining the positive impact our operations have on our community.ĚýWe support local enterprise through, when possible, sourcing products from local producers.Ěý
Look for the Locally Grown icon on menus – this identifies menu Items that have primary ingredients that are sourced from within Atlantic Canada, and within Nova Scotia when possible.ĚýWe also hold Local Food Days to feature specific locally-sourced products and their producers.Ěý
Sustainable seafood
Our purchasing decisions can have significant impact on the earth and our climate. As a result, it’s critical that we keep sourcing sustainably by increasing our support of suppliers whose methods of production strive to achieve concrete and sustainable development with our natural resources and ecosystems.
We focus on animal welfare, wild-caught, and farmed seafood produced using sustainable methods.
Look for the Sustainable Seafood icon, which indicates seafood ingredients that are certified as sustainably sourced by the Marine Stewardship Council, Ocean Wise or other, third-party, recognized certification organization.
Fairtrade
We offer Fairtrade products, such as chocolate and coffee, in retail, residence and catering.ĚýThese products promote fair and equitable global trade. We also focus on products that minimize climate change by avoiding products that contribute to deforestation.ĚýIn fact, ±«Óătv’s Halifax campuses have .Ěý
Green Restaurant Certification
The Green Restaurant Association is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping food-service operations reduce their environmental impact. To earn certification, a dining operation must meet rigorous criteria across areas like energy and water use, waste management, sustainable sourcing, green supplies, efficient kitchen practices and more.
Cool Food Low Carbon Certified
Identifies dishes on menus with a lower carbon footprint, particularly promoting plant-forward choices. Items are analyzed to WRI measure the carbon footprint based on the ingredients from farm to fork, and the land used to produce the meal.Ěý
Programs to address food insecurity
±«Óătv Food Services is expanding programming to support students and address issues such as food insecurity and sustainability.
“Pay-what-you-can” Soup programÂ
Available at the LSC Food Court in Halifax and Cox Café in Truro.
This will provide additional access to affordable nutrition for those who need it and supplement current supports on campus. Look for signage in these areas.Ěý
Limited quantity available daily.Ěý
Support for the Dal Food Bank and AC Student Food Pantry
Dal Food Services is commited to making financial contributions to these important support organizations.Ěý Â Â Â Â
Donation of surplus food through Second Harvest
Donation of fresh food products are made through community partners registered with . Donated items include fresh food items that are sold in campus locations and can be quite varied. They include things like baked goods (muffins, scones, etc.), salads, fruit cups, sandwiches, yogurt cups, kimbap, whole fruit like bananas on a regular basis.Ěý
Recipients are offered first priority on a rotation between the campus partners so that each has equal access to donations.
Key partners at Dal receiving donated products include:
- Dal Community Fridge (run by Loaded Ladle and Dal Food Bank)
- Indigenous Student Centre
- Black Student Advising Centre
If your unit or group would like to be considered for donations, please register with . For more information, email Dal Food Services.Ěý
Value options for all budgets at retail locations
Dal Food Services offers combos, half portions, daily specials and more - with something for every budget.
Support for the Dal International Centre Monday Night Meals
The Dal International Centre receives support from Dal Food Services for their Monday Night Dinners. These events bring the community together weekly for a meal.
In recent years, Aramark has donated the use of food service equipment needed to manage large-scale meal preparation for the community. For upcoming events, Aramark staff will also be donating their time to assist with meal preparation for some of these events (as needed/based on staff availability).Ěý
Purchase of local vegetables from the Cultiv8 gardens
Dal Food Services will be working with Cultiv8 on the Agricultural Campus to source locally-grown fresh ingredients to serve on campus - from our farm to our table.Ěý
