Sustainability

• UVM Dining has a long history of partnering with local farmers, producers, and distributors to help build and maintain a strong local and regional food system. Local food not only tastes great; it helps support the local economy, and the working lands of Vermont and reduces the miles that food travels before it gets to our plate.
• We partner with Black River Produce, The Intervale Food Hub, and Food Connect Hub who provide local, regional, and sustainable produce, dairy, meat, and specialty foods to campus. We are also proud to support UVM's agricultural programs, including the Catamount Education Farm, and Proctor Maple Research Center.
• Did you know? 100% of the coffee served on is sourced from locally owned companies. We currently feature Speeder and Earl’s (Burlington, VT) and Vermont Artisan Coffee and Tea Co. (Waterbury, VT)

In 2014, UVM Dining and Sodexo launched Vermont First, a first-of-its-kind program committing Sodexo to track local food spending and increase local purchasing across its Vermont institutional markets. Since its inception, the aim of Vermont First has been to grow market opportunities for local producers, stimulate job growth, and ensure the viability of Vermont's working lands. We do this through strategic purchasing shifts, collaboration with stakeholders, and increasing consumer awareness.

We track our local and regional food spending each year to provide transparency about our purchasing and develop strategies to increase locally grown and/or manufactured products. Our definition of "local" is in line with the Vermont Farm to Plate definition, grown or processed in Vermont. Our definition of "regional food" is in line with Farm to Institution New England, grown/manufactured in New England + 50 miles.

Check out Vermont First Infographics specific to UVM:

• FY25 Vermont First UVM Infographic

• FY24 Vermont First UVM Infographic

• FY23 Vermont First UVM Infographic

• FY22 Vermont First UVM Infographic

• FY21 Vermont First UVM Infographic

• FY20 Vermont First UVM Infographic

Visit the Vermont First website or follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn for the latest information.

UVM released its Comprehensive Sustainability Plan in Spring 2023, which charts a path to campus climate neutrality by 2030 and outlines specific goals in decarbonization, governance and people, campus operations, and research and learning.

The food and dining goals as part of this plan are:

• Increase spending on Vermont-grown food to 25% by 2030 from the 2020 baseline.

• Prioritize food purchasing from diverse suppliers where possible (i.e., minority/women-owned).

• Support access to healthy, local food for the campus community.

We are also working on decreasing food and packaging waste in partnership with the Office of Sustainability.

Catamount Educational Farm - UVM Dining has had a partnership with UVM’s Catamount Educational Farm since its inception in 2014. During the fall, we purchase organic vegetables and apples from the farm, which are grown and harvested by the student farmers. We meet with Catamount Farm staff each year to develop a crop plan based on our expected needs for the following seasons. Our continued support helps grow this academic program and strengthens our local food system.

Proctor Maple Research Center - In the fall of 2015, UVM Dining began exclusively purchasing maple syrup from UVM's Proctor Maple Research Center, located in Underhill, Vermont. Chefs order weekly to ensure UVM students and staff always have a consistent stock of Vermont's most famous product.

Promoting plant-forward eating is a critical strategy in addressing climate change, as plant-based ingredients have lower greenhouse gas emissions and are a healthy, delicious, and inclusive option. We are striving for 70% of the entrees in the dining halls to be low-carbon by 2028.

We pride ourselves on the variety of vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based dining options that we offer, including our Grown vegetarian stations at Central Campus Dining, Athletic Dining, and Redstone Dining and the Broccoli Bar at The Marketplace. Most on-campus locations use vegetarian/vegan/plant-based logos on menus and signage to help consumers identify foods that meet their preferences.

Menu Keys:

• Vegetarian (V) = no meat products
• Vegan (VG) = no meat or animal by-products, including white sugar and honey
• Plant-based (leaf logo) = no meat or animal by-products, but can include white sugar and honey

We are committed to serving sustainable seafood, purchased at fair market value and sourced from providers that ensure the highest level of quality assurance and food safety along with adherence to global standards of excellence for environmental responsibility and accountability in seafood. Our seafood ordering guide prohibits purchasing items that do not meet our high sustainability standards. Credible Eco certifications for seafood were decided upon in partnership with the World Wildlife (WWF) and in accordance to the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI), including Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Alaska Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM), Best Aquaculture Certification (BAP), and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).

Red's Best, from Boston, MA, is one of our primary seafood providers. They are committed to complete transparency in the seafood supply chain, providing a livable income for fisher people and creating markets for abundant, underutilized seafood species.

EcoWare, our reusable takeout container program, helps minimize the use of single-use containers and increases the flexibility of dining plans by allowing meals to-go from our dining halls. UVM Dining is committed to reducing packaging waste and has had an EcoWare program since 2011.

• Starting in Fall 2024, UVM Dining implemented ReusePass, a web-based app and technology that will expand access to the program. Students, staff, and faculty can participate in the program, free of charge! To keep this program running containers must be returned in a timely manner. Any containers not returned within the return period (3-5 days from check out), will be charged $5.00 per container at the end of the semester.

• Here’s how it works! After signing up, you will have a QR code on your mobile device. When you are ready to check out an Ecoware container, you will scan your ReusePass and the cashier will scan the QR code on the container, “checking out” that particular container to your account, similar to checking out books at the library.

• Students, staff, and faculty are now eligible to participate in the program, free of charge! To keep this program running, we do need to ensure that containers are returned in a timely manner. Any containers not returned within the return period (3-5 days from check out), will be charged $5.00 per container at the end of the semester to a student account.

• EcoWare containers are leak-resistant, BPA-free, dishwasher/freezer safe, and can be used up to 300 times. They are made from 20-30% recyclable materials. Please DO NOT MICROWAVE the containers, as it will damage the RFID chip, which our team uses to keep track of EcoWare. Your container might be recognized as not returned and you could be charged.

How to Download the ReusePass app

• Go to app.reusepass.com/uvm. Enter your phone number and sign up using your UVM email/net ID. Before using ReusePass, you’ll be asked to acknowledge the terms and conditions of the program.
• Receive your own personal ReusePass QR code.

How to Use Ecoware in the Dining Halls

The EcoWare program is the only way to take food out of the four dining halls. The use of personal Tupperware containers is not allowed. Per the Vermont Department of Health, reusable containers must be washed and sanitized by Dining Services to ensure food safety.

• Inform the cashier you would like to get an EcoWare meal before you swipe into the dining halls. You can check out check out one soup container and one flat container, once per meal period.
• The cashier will scan the QR on the container, then ask you to scan your ReusePass QR code in your mobile wallet.
• Fill your EcoWare with food from the dining hall (we just ask that it closes).
• Leave the dining hall and enjoy your meal.
• Empty (and if possible, rinse) and return your dirty EcoWare container to any EcoWare return bin located in any dining location where EcoWare is available. Please return any containers within 3 days. If you do not return after 5 days, your account will be subject to a $5 charge per container at the end of the semester.
• After you return your container our dining team scans, washes, and sanitizes your container. Your ReusePass account will update to reflect your return within 24-48 hours.

How to Use ReusePass in Retail

Available at Given Bistro, The Marketplace, the University Marché, Redstone Market, Jamal's Chicken, and Halal shack. Opt for your meal to be served in EcoWare; It's good for the environment and your wallet. EcoWare is not currently available on Everyday, our mobile food ordering app.

• Request that your meal be served in Ecoware when placing your order.
• The cashier will scan the QR code on the container and ask you to scan your ReusePass.
• Save 25 cents at the register and enjoy your meal.
• Return your dirty container to an EcoWare return bin located in any dining location where EcoWare is available. Please return any containers within 3 days. If you do not return after 5 days, your account will be subject to a $5 charge per container, at the end of the semester.
• After you return your container our dining team scans, washes, and sanitizes your container. Your ReusePass account will update to reflect your return within 24-48 hours.

How to Use Ecoware Cups in Retail Locations

Ecoware cups are available at Given Bistro, The Marketplace, the University Marché, and Redstone Market.

• Grab an Ecoware cup near the coffee station. At Given Bistro, request from the cashier.
• The cashier will scan the QR code on the container and ask for you to scan your ReUse Pass.
• Save 25 cents off the price of a large coffee and enjoy!
• Empty all liquids from cup and return to an Ecoware Retail location (Given Bistro, Marketplace, University Marche, or Redstone Dining within 3 days. Please do not return to an Ecoware bin in the dining halls. If you do not return after 5 days, your account will be subject to a $5 charge per container, at the end of the semester.
• After you return your cup, our dining team scans, washes, and sanitizes it. Your ReusePass account will update to reflect your return within 24-48 hours.

ReusePass Frequently Asked Questions

Which dining locations offer EcoWare/ReusePass?

Ecoware is available at all dining halls, for a to-go meal. Save 25 cents when using at the following retail locations: Given Bistro, The Marketplace, University Marché, Redstone Market, Jamal’s Chicken, and Halal Shack.

Where and how do I return my container?

Returning containers is easy! Compost any remaining food scraps then drop your empty container in one of the ReusePass return bins on campus (located in all participating locations). Ecoware cups should only be returned to return bins in participating retail locations. Please empty all liquids prior to dropping in return bin. Please do not return Ecoware cups to the dining hall return bins.

When do I need to return my container?

Containers are due back 3 days after checkout. Containers that have not been returned by the end of the 3-day checkout window will be marked as late. ReusePass will send you text message reminders when you have late containers to return them. Once a container is late, you have 48 hours to return it. Containers that are not received by the end of the late window are liable for a $5 fee.

How long does it take for my container to be “received” after I’ve dropped in a return bin?

Containers are typically scanned by the dining team within 24hrs of drop-off, but it can sometimes take longer. If you’ve dropped your container(s) in a return bin before the due date, don’t worry, you’ve done your part! Once your container is scanned in by the dining team, it will appear as received in your account.

Can I still return my container after it has been marked “unreturned”?

Yes! Even if you haven’t returned your container within the checkout or late period, we still want your container back so it can go back into the reuse ecosystem.

Are Ecoware cups available in the dining halls?

No, Ecoware cups are not available in the dining halls. They are only available at Given Bistro, Marketplace, University Marche, and Redstone Market. You’ll save 25 cents when you use at these locations!

Why can’t I return my Ecoware cup to a dining hall?

We have a limited number of Ecoware cups on campus. Returning these cups to the locations where they are available ensures that we have enough inventory and eliminates time that our staff would have to take to transport cups around campus. We appreciate your support with this!

I don't have a smart phone, can I use the Ecoware program?

Yes, you can still get a QR code to use the program! You can make an account online at a computer at app.reusepass.com/uvm. You’ll need to enter a mobile number for confirmation purposes and then sign in with your UVM email. Once you have signed up, you should be able to click the "open pass" button which will pull up your personalized Reusepass QR code. Print that QR code and carry with you in your wallet; you'll need to scan on the Scan App at the register when you want to take an Ecoware container out.

Can I see my personal sustainability impact?

Yes! If you open your ReusePass account at app.reusepass.com/uvm and scroll down, you’ll see your personal “trash stats”. Stay tuned for more sustainability impact data!

We're actively working to expand the use of reusable options and reducing reliance on disposable packaging. To reduce the amount of single-use packaging on-campus, we offer the following options:

• Save 25 cents off the price of a large coffee when you use a refillable mug (up to 24 ounces) at our UVM Dining retail locations.
• Save 25 cents when you use EcoWare (flat container, bowl, or mug) at one of our retail locations (where available).
• Save 5 cents when you bring a spork (reusable spoon/fork).
• Choose reusable plates and silverware instead of disposable options, when available.
• Be sure to bring your reusable water bottles and refill them at the dedicated water stations across campus!

Single Use Packaging:

When disposable packaging is used we offer recyclable products in line with the preferences of Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD). We never use styrofoam or plastic bags, and straws are available upon request.

To encourage the use of reusable options we have the following policies in place:

• 50 cent charge for water cups
• Starting October 1, 2025, Given Bistro and The Marketplace will charge 50 cents for disposable food containers. These locations offer free dine-in service ware and students, staff, and faculty can get EcoWare using our free ReusePass app.

Did you know? In 2013, in response to a student campaign, UVM banned the sale of plain, unflavored bottled water on campus, making it one of the first public universities to make this shift. UVM provides safe, clean drinking water, so providing bottled water from another community is unnecessary. Forgot your water bottle? You can purchase a single use cup at our cashier stations for $.50.

Our culinary team utilizes the Leanpath program, which uses scales and tablets to help track food waste generated in our kitchens before it goes into the compost bin. While some food waste is unavoidable (for instance, the rinds of melons), much of it is due to overproduction or spoilage and can be minimized. When possible, ingredients can be properly stored to be served at another time or can be repurposed into different dishes rather than going into the compost.

We piloted this program in 2013 and have continued to expand to all UVM Dining locations. The implementation and expansion of this program has allowed us to reduce food waste from our kitchens by 50%!

Trayless dining is an operational strategy to reduce food waste. Not having a tray limits the amount of food customers can carry at one time, which can significantly reduce food waste. In our all-you-care-to-eat facilities, we encourage students to take what they need and come back for seconds if needed. Trayless dining also decreases the amount of water and energy used for washing trays.

With support from UVM Zero Waste and Recycling, we've been committed to recycling and composting long before it became mainstream.

All dining locations use single-stream recycling to divert cardboard, paper, metal, glass, and plastic from the landfill, which goes to the Material's Recycling Facility in Williston, Vermont. Diverting food scraps from the landfill into the compost stream helps build healthy soil and decrease greenhouse emissions. All compost from campus is sent to Green Mountain Compost, in Williston, Vermont.

**What goes where? **

• Compost = food scraps and napkins only (no compostable packaging, that goes in the landfill).
• Recycle = empty and clean cans, bottles, plastic containers, and paper.
• Landfill = paper plates, bowls, coffee cups, utensils, straws, compostable packaging, and food wrappers.

Effective January 1, 2022, CSWD will no longer accept compostable foodware and packaging (cups, utensils, plates, straws, etc.) in their compost stream; they will continue to accept food scraps and napkins. UVM Dining will convert existing compostable packaging to recyclable alternatives wherever possible and encourage the use of reusables such as EcoWare, refillable mugs, and sporks.

Since 2007, we have been teaming up annually with Eco-Reps to quantify the amount of post-consumer compost generated in our dining halls. The initiative takes place in one dining hall, for four days, during peak dinner times. At the end of each night, the waste is weighed and divided by the number of patrons who entered the dining hall during the designated collection time to estimate ounces of waste per person.

In addition, Eco-Reps help educate students about the impact of food waste on the environment, look for trends to help interpret the data, and make recommendations to decrease waste. As a result of this program, some dining locations serve grill items with buns on the side after observing that many students only wanted the chicken breast or burger and just composted the bun.

Our dining facilities produce approximately 150-200 gallons of used cooking oil each month. Since 2000, we have been diverting our used oil to be repurposed into biofuel. It currently goes to Black Bear Biofuel, located in Plainfield, Vermont, where it is turned into a renewable fuel source rather than going into the compost or waste stream.

We are committed to sending surplus food to people, not landfills. We partner with the on-campus Food Recovery Network club to divert excess edible food to Feeding Chittenden and UVM's on-campus food pantry, Rally Cat's Cupboard. Additionally, we also host food drives in our retail locations at the end of the spring semester for students to donate food items to Rally Cat's Cupboard.

Food to Share Program

In the Spring of 2025, UVM Dining launched our Food to Share program, to help divert extra portions of food from catering events in the Davis Center. This program helps reduce the amount of food going into the compost and helps feed community members and students in need.

Here’s how it works:

• Sign up for the Free Food listserv by texting “FREEFOOD” to 82257.
• Max 10 text messages/month. Message and Data Rates May Apply. By texting [FREEFOOD], I agree to receive marketing text messages from Sodexo to my mobile phone number. Text STOP to 82257 to unsubscribe. Text HELP to 82257 for Help or e-mail support@MYDTXT.com. Mobile Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy at www.MYDTXT.com.
• When there is leftover catering food, a text message will go out to the Free Food listserv.
• Food will be available on a table outside of Rally Cats Cupboard (Davis Center, room 103) while supplies last, for a maximum of 30 minutes. Grab some free food and enjoy!

Visit go.uvm.edu/foodhelp for additional information and resources.

UVM Dining launched Swipe out Hunger in 2018 in response to research done on-campus regarding the prevalence of food insecurity among our students. The Swipe Out Hunger program is funded through contributions from Sodexo/UVM Dining Services. For more information about the program learn what the Center for Health and Wellbeing is doing for Food Insecurity at UVM.