At M Food Co., we are passionately dedicated to transforming campus dining into a sustainable and eco-conscious experience. With an unwavering commitment to the environment, we strive to redefine the way students, faculty, and staff engage with food on campus. By implementing innovative practices such as sourcing locally grown, supporting Fair Trade, reducing food waste through comprehensive recycling and composting programs, and offering a diverse menu of plant-based options, we aim to create a dining atmosphere that not only satisfies appetites but also nourishes the planet. Through our collaborative partnerships and ongoing research, we continuously explore new ways to minimize our carbon footprint, promote ethical sourcing, and foster a culture of sustainability. Join us on this journey as we pave the way towards a greener, healthier future, one delicious meal at a time.
Buying Local
Supporting the preservation of the American family farm, reducing the carbon footprint of our supply chain, and giving back to local communities are central to our core values. In support of our company-wide commitment to sustainability and wellness, M Food Co. has been making strides to establish relationships with local farmers and produce distributors to encourage local buying and promote seasonally available produce. At least 20% of our products are sourced locally, within 250 miles of our campus.
rbGH-Free Milk and Yogurt
As part of our commitment to health and wellness, we only purchase yogurt from cows not treated with artificial bovine growth hormones.
Recombinant bovine growth hormone (known as rbGH and also in its patented form as rBST) is a genetically engineered hormone that is injected into dairy cows to raise their milk production. It has been shown to increase the rates of mastitis and lameness in cows. A significant body of scientific data has also linked its use to possible increases in certain types of cancer and to antibiotic resistance in humans. Most other industrialized nations have banned the use of rbGH.
Certified Humane Cage-Free Eggs
We only offer Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) certified cage-free shell eggs nationwide. In December 2007, Compass implemented a cage-free shell egg policy. In 2021, Compass made a promise that all liquid eggs will also be from certified humane cage-free hens. All of our locations only offer shell and liquid eggs that are certified by the HFAC program in partnership with the Humane Society of America.
Poultry Free From Routine Use of Human Antibiotics
The nontherapeutic use of antibiotics in animal production is a growing public health concern because it decreases the effectiveness of antibiotics to treat diseases in humans. At Chartwells, we only serve chicken and turkey that have been raised with restricted use of these drugs, especially as a growth additive in feed. Our suppliers provide products that adhere to criteria developed in partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund.
Animal Welfare
In 2016, Compass Group USA became the first foodservice company to commit to serving 100% healthier, slower growing chicken by 2024 through the landmark Global Animal Partnerships (GAP) agreement.
Sustainable Seafood
M Food Co. is committed to protecting the threatened global fish supply. In collaboration with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program, Chartwells established a landmark purchasing policy in 2006 that removes unsustainable wild and farmed seafood from our menus.
Fair Trade Products
In 2018, Chartwells committed to source Fair Trade products at all locations across the country. As part of this commitment, M Food Co. offers Fair Trade Certified food and beverage items. In our dining halls, guests can find Bigelow tea bags and Tiny Footprint drip coffee. In our retail locations, there is a rotating selection of products available such as Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, barkTHINS, energy bars, and more.
Fair Trade Awareness Month is in November. Follow us on social media to see Fair Trade highlights, information, and events!
Food Insecurity
Nearly 40% of all college students are struggling with food security. Food insecurity impacts students in all college and university settings, even those who have a meal plan can be food insecure. To counter this issue, M Food Co. works with a handful of local food insecurity organizations such as Food Recovery Network, Boynton’s Nutritious U Food Pantry, Loaves and Fishes, and Second Harvest Heartland.
Waste Not
Chartwells has created the Waste Not program to measure the amount of food waste being generated. The amount of food waste will be measured in our units every day, so that we can get a clear picture of how much is being thrown away. From there, we try to find solutions to reduce this amount. This means training our staff to use as much of the fruits or vegetables as possible, and finding ways to use scraps that would normally be thrown away. Monitoring and evaluating our food waste not only helps us be more sustainable, but it reduces our food cost too.
Stop Food Waste Day
We’re reducing waste at the source, raising awareness, and promoting solutions that positively impact the areas where we operate. April 26th is Stop Food Waste Day. Celebrate with the M Food Co. team as we educate students and guests on food waste, have interactive booths, and reward waste warriors!
Read more and take the pledge at stopfoodwasteday.com.
OZZI Reusable To-Go Containers
More information on OZZI To-Go Containers is available on our To-Go page