Sustainable Food Sourcing in Higher Education: Definition and Goal-Setting for Duke University

Food production is one of the most impactful parts of human’s footprint, both on our environment and our social structure. Knowing this, many colleges and universities are enacting sustainable purchasing guidelines and procurement goals in dining services to decrease the negative externalities of food consumption on campus. This study used semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and collection of material culture to evaluate Duke University’s current sustainable food procurement initiatives and to research how peer institutions create and track progress towards sustainable food goals. Based on this research, I recommend a definition of sustainable food for Duke University in six product categories. I also give broad guidelines for “best practices” in setting and maintaining sustainable sourcing goals in dining services.