Local, sustainable, and healthy choices
UMD Land Labs often provides fresh produce featured in all UMD Dining Services’ venues. Dining Services likes to partner with local businesses when able. We purchase coffee roasted by Duluth Coffee Company (sourced directly from farmers), and apples and apple cider from Bayfield Apple Co. in Wisconsin.
We are always looking for local and sustainable food partnerships. If you are interested or have questions contact us at [email protected].
Reducing waste
Meal planning, portion-controlled serving, and bulk ordering reduces costs & packaging waste. Leftover food that can be donated is given to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, both to help people and reduce landfill waste (in 2019 alone, 13,860 pounds or 6.93 US tons of food was donated!). Aluminum, plastic, and glass are recycled, while compostable plates, coffee cups, containers, and utensils are provided in the Food Court and Northern Shores Coffee Shop.
Dining Services not only uses compostable items we also promote and utilize reusable containers with our Reusable Container Program. This program allows guests to opt into using a reusable container for their meals instead of using one-time use products.
Fresh Leaf Catering offers events with zero-waste-to-landfill by utilizing washable dishware, linen napkins, donating unused food, and composting leftover/uneaten food.