Sustainability at UK Dining
UK Dining is committed to responsible sourcing, reducing waste, and operating efficiently to support Kentucky farmers, our campus, and the environment. Sustainability is woven into everything we do from sourcing food to serving meals and managing resources.
Our Commitment to Campus
Our efforts focus on four priorities: sourcing sustainably, minimizing food waste, creating a circular system, and operating efficiently, all working together to help us achieve net zero emissions. Learn more about each below!
Sourcing Responsibly
We prioritize local, sustainable sourcing and partnerships that strengthen Kentucky’s food system.
Local & Sustainable Sourcing
UK Dining partners with the University of Kentucky’s Food Connection to support farmers and food businesses. Through local procurement initiatives, UK Dining has invested more than $31 million in Kentucky farms and food businesses.
Local Restaurant Partnerships
Through Local Restaurant Row, UK Dining partners with 10 locally owned restaurants to bring Lexington favorites and global flavors to campus dining halls.
Events Highlighting Local Food
We prioritize the purchase of local ingredients for all UK Dining events throughout the year. Over the Moon: Celebrating Harvest Moon Dairy. Plant Forward Picnic: An Earth Day event featuring plant-based, local foods.
Sustainable Menu Options
Dedicated vegan stations at both residential dining halls. Cool Food meals certified by the World Resources Institute to have a lower carbon footprint. Look for plant-forward and climate-friendly options throughout our dining locations.
Our Local Partnerships
UK Dining sources food from many local farmers, growers, and distributors. Our partners change throughout the year depending on seasonality and availability.
Meet Our Farm Partners
Minimize Food Waste
Reducing food waste helps address food insecurity and protects the environment.
Food Recovery & Food Insecurity
Each year, UK Dining diverts 5,500+ pounds of unused food from the landfill and donates it to campus and community partners. Partners include Campus Kitchen, God’s Pantry, and Big Blue Pantry. ONE Café provides enrolled UK students access to balanced meals for just $1.00, including vegan options.
Waste Reduction in Dining
UK Dining reduces waste through: trayless dining, Reusable dishware and cups in residential dining, No Styrofoam at any retail or residential dining location, Green to-go containers, Compostable napkins, Reusable cup discounts at coffee shops, Elimination of plastic straws and bags, Digital menus and condiment pump stations
Embed Circularity
We design systems that keep materials in use and out of landfills
Operate Efficiently
UK Dining operates facilities and programs designed to reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency.
Green Restaurant Certification
Both residential dining halls, Champion’s Kitchen and The Fresh Food Company, are 3 Star Certified Green Restaurants®.
UK Catering is a 2 Star Certified Green Restaurant Caterer®. They are one of only two caterers in the state of Kentucky with this certification.
Sustainable Packaging
UK Dining offers reusable dishware and compostable or recyclable disposables for catering and residential dining locations.
We partner with Kanbol, a Kentucky-based company producing compostable packaging made from corn stover. Kanbol bowls are currently used at select retail locations, with plans to expand campus-wide.
Green Catered Events
UK Catering offers Green Catered Events featuring local, seasonal menus and reusable, recyclable, or compostable service ware.
UK Catering offers a Green Catered Event Certification recognizing events that reduce waste and carbon emissions through sustainable menus, reusable service ware, and composting.
