Dining & Food Services

Eating sustainably means eating food that is grown/raised in an ecologically and ethically responsible manner using practices that protect the environment, safeguard human health, are humane to farm animals, and provide fair treatment to workers. Along with the numerous health benefits, eating sustainably supports a more environmentally and socially responsible food system. Additionally, food service operations are often a major producer of waste. By implementing sustainable dining practices, UNO will reduce the amount of waste generated related to food, food packaging, and food distribution.

Our Goal

While the Sustainability Master Plan does not have a specific goal for dining, it does state that the University should focus on sourcing food that is local and/or community-based and that meet relevant third-party certifications.

Initiatives

Food Service & Catering

  • Maverick Den and MavREC Cafe serve Arbor Day Coffee
  • This shade-grown, fair trade coffee benefits the Nebraska Arbor Day Foundation.
  • Every cup of coffee helps to preserve two square feet of rainforest and provides growers with a fair wage, increased access to healthcare and education, and improved local infrastructure.
  • Containers, flatware, and paper goods are either compostable, biodegradable PLA, cornstarch-based, or recycled paper materials.
  • Vegetarian options are available. Vegan and other dietary restrictions options are available upon request. 

Scott Cafe

  • Herb garden on the property.
  • Try to keep paper and plastic use to a minimum and have switched the majority of products to those made from renewable resources or are easily compostable.
  • Use phosphate free or low phosphorus dishwashing and cleaning chemicals.

Food Recovery

  • Every Bite Counts
    • This sub-committee of SustainUNO is a student-run service organization focused on food recovery and advocacy around food waste and food insecurity.
    • Works to recover edible food otherwise thrown away for the purpose of giving back to underserved individuals, especially youth, in our surrounding community.
    • All recovered food is donated to Youth Emergency Services (YES), to be distributed to their clients.