ARAMARK Opens Sustainable Café at University of Minnesota

I know I've seen ARAMARK trucks other places than on campus. What else does ARAMARK do other than food service?

ARAMARK has approximately 250,000 employees in 19 countries that provide services in nearly every industry including: Colleges and Universities, Healthcare, Sports and Entertainment, School Districts, Parks and Resorts, and Public Safety, to name a few.

What are some healthy ways to eat for college students?

Eating at college may seem a little intimidating, but making healthy choices doesn't have to be difficult.

On Monday, February 23rd I encountered my very first visit to the University of Toledo’s Provisions on Demand (P.O.D.). I was excited to see the selection of items that were offered; a wide variety of beverages, snacks, grab and go sandwiches, coffee, and more.

Our campus has definitely gone green. But what else is happening this year to further reduce our carbon footprint?

Where to begin? This has certainly been a busy year for greening up at UC Irvine. First, we’re now using cage-free and organic eggs across the UC Irvine campus. And, as of Spring 2008, students and faculty have been enjoying “Organic Greens to Go” at the campus' new organic salad bar...

I was very impressed by the things that ARAMARK is doing in terms increasing sustainable food and infrastructure practices, such as purchasing local and organic foods and using biodegradable packaging. I am so glad that you had the chance to speak with our class about these things, and thank you once more for the check for future greening classes!

Thank you very much for your kind note. At ARAMARK Dining Services, we're trying very hard to align our efforts with the ideas and initiatives that are most important to the entire Brandies community. And comments like yours let us know we're doing the right things.

I'm so excited we're tray-less. In what ways is this saving the environment?

Tray-less dining represents a "Triple Bottom Line" initiative, meaning it makes sense in three areas crucial to corporate social responsibility: People, Planet and Profit. All that is just a fancy way of saying that not using a tray can have a positive impact socially, environmentally and economically at your school.

What's going on with recycling on campus?

Right now, your school, along with 163 other ARAMARK-serviced accounts are participating in a program called Recyclemania.  RecycleMania is a 10-week long friendly competition to promote waste reduction activities to participating campus communities. During the competition each school reports recycling and trash data which are then ranked according to who collects the largest amount of recyclables per capita, the largest amount of total recyclables, the least amount of trash per capita, or have the highest recycling rate.

I really like the Food Service at LCU. The service and variety are there all the time. The employees are very nice to all of their guests. I have visited several other campus in the past and this has to be the best. I have also been told that they Managers are involved in community activities like Habitat for Humanity and the South Plains Food Bank.

Thanks Ben!  We are so happy you are satisfied. We believe the level of service you receive on campus is important. You have enough to worry about on campus: classes, schedules, studying work and everything else… you shouldn't have to stress about eating too. In that light, we consider and address issues that matter most to the communities in which we serve, and focus our energy and initiatives on supporting these goals.  Just like the Managers at Lubbock Christian have done, we are working to enrich our communities each and every day.  Please continue to let us know how we are doing at LCU – all of your feedback is valuable!

I am interested in finding out more about where your meat and animal products come from. I love the fact that you’re working towards sustainable fish options. Do you have similar campaigns concerning farming?

We like keeping things local and try to do so whenever possible because it is an important way to have a positive green impact as well as a great way to support the local economy.

How does ARAMARK support buying fair trade products?

JCU and ARAMARK work together to support fair trade through the offering of 100% fair trade coffee and espresso products throughout the two Java City locations on campus as well as in catering services, the food court, and at Schott Dining Hall.

I was wondering what ARAMARK did with the extra/leftover food? Does it go to a food bank or food rescue program?

Great question, Courtenay. We’re always working with our partner campuses to monitor leftover food to make sure we’re not wasting any to begin with.

I am a high school senior that will be attending High Point University in Fall 2009. I am interested in learning more about the ARAMARK services, especially in the community.

Kiera – We’re sure you’re looking forward to starting at High Point in the fall and we appreciate your question about ARAMARK’s community involvement.

The services you provide create a very pleasant atmosphere for studetns across this campus. As students, we have a sinful addiction to coffee; and I am happy to say that it is offered to us with great positivlity from the employees. One of the many contributions to this atmosphere I speak so highly of. Keep up the good work.

Thank you Aleks. It's our pleasure to serve you. Please be sure to keep us updated on what you'd like to see from your Dining Services, so that we can continue to meet your needs and priorities.