Growing in Sustainability

Our newest partnership with HowGood, an independent research company with the world’s largest database on ingredient and product sustainability, is now empowering our guests to make more sustainable food choices.

On menu boards nationwide, guests can now determine the environmental and social impact of many of the foods they eat with HowGood’s climate labeling. Evaluated based on eight impact metrics including greenhouse gas emissions, processing, water usage, soil health, land use, working conditions, biodiversity, and animal welfare, the data is used to determine which recipes have the best relative impact compared to conventional foods.

one FamilyFarm

uChiCago’s urban Farming CommiTmenTs drive equiTable Change

UChicago’s Partnership with One Family Farm is just its latest example of a mission-focused initiative to collaborate with Minority-Owned Urban Farm Solutions. This initiative provides farmland protection, land access and removes barriers to entry for minority farmers.

Based on previous purchases and projected forecasts, during the 2022 to 2023 academic year they estimate buying nearly 40,000 pounds of kale, 14,000 pounds of arugula, 65,000 pounds of green peppers, and various amounts of other produce from minority- and women-owned partnering farms.

With a commitment to helping businesses scale-up their operations, UChicago Dining provides resources, information and ongoing support to these businesses. This, in turn, helps improve the socioeconomic status of the local community, educate and enhance the student experience at UChicago, and provide sustainable income for their small business partners.