We work together to continually develop and implement sustainable solutions. Through Green Thread, our environmental sustainability platform, we bring innovative and efficient solutions to life. We are passionately focused on reducing the environmental impact within our operations.
Here are just a few ways we work to make our campus more environmentally conscious:
Local Food
Using the AASHE definition, all food sourced within a 250 mile radius of the campus is considered local. Locally sourced food items are labeled daily, look for our Locally Grown signs in City Bistro and Liberty Fresh Food Company! Students can also purchase locally sourced groceries at Market 159 or visit our monthly farmers market to shop local. Here is a map of all of the local farms that we purchased from in fall 2015 semester!
Zero Waste Certification
Vegetarian, Vegan & Kosher Options
Green & Local Catering Options
On-campus Farmers Market and Local Grocery
Beginning in November of 2018, CofC Dining partnered with CofC Office of Sustainability and Growfood Carolina to create a monthly food access point where students can come to purchase seasonal produce, fresh dairy, local artisanal products and more with their dining dollars, credit or cash. The program has since led to a locally-cultivated section in Market 159 where students can access fresh food seven days a week on campus.
Pre-and Post-Consumer Waste Composting
Beginning in the summer of 2013, Liberty Fresh Food Company began composting all pre- and post-consumer food waste. These practices are also executed in Stern Center Food Court, as well as Marty’s Place. In August 2013, Catering, Chick-Fil-A, and Einstein Brothers Bagels also began composting all pre-consumer food waste. Click here to see our total amount of food waste diverted from 2013 through June 2017.
Waste Stream Management
All used coffee grounds from Catering and Java City are donated to the College of Charleston's Grounds Department.
Green Cleaning Program
In order to create more transparency and awareness, we have developed a system that tracks our food purchasing in the two largest dining locations--City Bistro and Fresh Food--highlighting the total purchases made from the local and regional areas of Charleston, SC, as well as any sustainably certified products including organic, Fair Trade, and Sustainable Seafood. This data is useful in determining the overall impact of procurement, looking for areas we can improve sustainable purchasing, and increasing awareness of Aramark’s commitment to developing more sustainable practices at the College of Charleston. We are also working to provide more local products at our retail locations, including POD’s and Stern Center Food Court, in order to support local businesses and decrease transportation emissions associated with shipping products.
All dining locations are committed to using cleaning products in our operations to reduce the need for chemical based cleaning products and provide a healthy and safe learning environment. Look for our Locally Grown signs in City Bistro and Liberty Fresh Food Company!