Vision
Dalhousie University aims to provide campus foods and services that encourage healthy eating, support local food systems, are environmentally, socially, and ethically responsible, and celebrate learning through events and educational programs.
Principles
Scope
The framework applies to all aspects of sustainable and healthy food on campus. Currently it is focused on but not limited to the following components:
Procurement: Procurement encompasses not only food purchasing, but also cleaning products, packaging, and other commercial products used in food services.
Preparation: In this context, preparation is not limited to cooking. It also includes cuisine selection, ingredients selection, and food arrangement.
Operation: Operation consists of two components: kitchen operation with a focus on water and energy use and campus food production.
End use: End use refers to the management of food and food- or kitchen-related waste.
Student Action
Many student groups on campus are taking action on food system sustainability, including the the Dalhousie Student Union Sustainability Office (DSUSO), which introduced a Farmer's Market to make fresh, Nova Scotia grown produce available to students at a low cost.
The DSU Market Collective sells fresh, locally grown produce and other locally made treats in the SUB, and food boxes can be ordered in advance. The goal of the market is to make healthy, local and ethically sourced products accessible and affordable for students of Dalhousie, while supporting Nova Scotia's hardworking farmers. It's run by students, for students!
Campus Agriculture
Dalhousie has gardens on the Studley and Agricultural Campus producing food. Urban agriculture, permaculture, and local food production are increasingly recognized as fundamental to food security and sustainability.
Organized community food production at the university has been active for over 20 years. Dalhousie students, staff, and faculty are active in a number of gardens.
Food Services Providers
Aramark is the university food service provider on the Halifax campuses including residences, catering, and many food outlets. Chartwells is the food service provider for the Dalhousie Student Union in the Student Union Building (SUB), provides on campus catering, and is also the university food service provider at the Agricultural Campus.
The Student Union Building is home to food outlets from local companies and provides space and support for free lunches provided by the student-run initiative, Loaded Ladle.
Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance
Fair Trade is an independant, third-party certification system for goods that are produced in the Global South. Fair Trade ensures better prices and working conditions for farmers while supporting the sustainability of farms.
Dalhousie Food Services is following the standards set by Fair Trade Canada to become a Fair Trade Campus.
The Rainforest Alliance seal is awarded to farms, forests, and businesses meeting rigorous environmental and social standards.
Seafood
Dalhousie recognizes that the ocean and fisheries are integral to the cultural identity of Nova Scotia and its people. Dalhousie Food Services offers a Sea-To-Table Program at four Halifax campus dining halls where seafood served is Marine Stewardship Council Certified.