Sustainable Partnerships

  • Office of Sustainability.
  • Reusable Container Program: By using our reusable takeaway containers, you'll not only be enjoying your meal but also reducing waste and your carbon footprint - talk about being an eco-warrior! Plus, each one of these containers replaces a whopping 300+ single-use to-go boxes.
  • Reusable Mug Program: Did you know that you can rock your own reusable mug or cup in our Food Court, Northern Shores Coffee Shop, or at our kiosks? Not only will you be helping to save the planet by cutting down on waste, but you'll also save $0.50 on each purchase. It's a win-win situation! So bring in your trusty and *clean* mug, and let's do our part in making the world a little greener (and saving some cash while we're at it).
  • Bay Produce: At UMD, we strive to bring fresh and delicious ingredients straight to your plate. That's why we turn to the incredible folks at Bay Produce, located in good old Superior, Wisconsin. Rain or shine, they grow the tastiest tomatoes all year round. 
  • Superior Fresh: Salmon on campus is farmed sustainably in Hixton, Wisconsin. Superior Fresh’s ecosystem works in harmony with nature by recirculating 99.9% of its water with zero runoff, harnessing the sun for the bulk of its growth, and doing it on a fraction of the land using a fraction of the water required to sustain a conventional farm. They grow as much food on their farm as it takes a traditional farm to produce on 300 acres.
  • Duluth Coffee Company: All the coffee served through UMD Dining Services is sourced directly and ethically from farmers all over the world and then roasted right here in Duluth. A little fun fact for you: Both the owner and marketing director of Duluth Coffee Company are UMD Alumni!
  • Teatulia: Did you know that our delicious teas come all the way from our very own USDA-certified organic tea garden in Northern Bangladesh? And let us tell you, it's no ordinary garden. It's massive and fully organic, making it one of the largest in the world! Plus, their natural farming methods not only produce amazing teas but also help rejuvenate the land. But that's not all! Teatulia's gardens are run by fierce and fabulous women farmers, who not only provide us with top-quality teas but also empower and educate their community. How cool is that? So go ahead and sip on our sustainably sourced teas knowing that you're supporting a truly woman-owned and operated business. Cheers to that! 
  • Johnson's Bakery: Johnson's Bakery has been serving the Duluth area for more than 70 years with its made-from-scratch products. We proudly partner with this local company and serve their delicious baked goods throughout our operations. 
  • Twin Ports Paper & Supply: We are beyond thrilled to be working with our fantastic local partner, Twin Ports Paper & Supply. They have been an instrumental part of our journey towards achieving zero waste goals by providing us with amazing compostable products for our operations. Together, we make a dynamic duo!
  • The Fish Guys: We are proud to partner with The Fish Guys, a local seafood distributor that shares our commitment to quality and sustainability.
  • Sambazon: Our partner SAMBAZON is more than just your average food brand. With every delicious product you purchase, you're also helping to preserve the Amazon Rainforest and support its inhabitants. We are proud to collaborate with SAMBAZON, who shares our vision of creating a positive impact on both people and the planet. 
  • Bayfield Apple Co.: Hey there, apple lovers! There's no place we'd rather be than a cozy apple orchard. And lucky for us, Bayfield Apple Co. delivers the tastiest ciders straight to Northern Shores Coffee Shop every fall. Trust us, one sip and you'll be apple-solutely hooked!