Concordia University leading the way with local food procurement
Posted: February 20, 2015
Categories: Food in the News / GoodFoodBites / Local Procurement
Photo by Concordia University
Concordia University recently released a request for proposals (RFP) for a new food-service provider to promote healthy and sustainably responsible food. As summarized by Concordia’s Communication Services, recent consultation with the institutions’ students, faculty and staff highlighted that the Concordia community wants to know where their food is from, and what is in it.
The request for proposal is in response to the consultation with the Concordia community, which included a food-services survey, to determine what Concordians want from their food-service provider. According to the survey responses, Concordians want:
- fresh meals made daily on campus,
- more alternatives to common food allergens and intolerances,
- more nutritional information to make better food decisions, and
- healthier “Grab and Go” options in vending machines.
The food-services RFP has many new requirements, including a focus on local food and sustainable practices. For example, during the summer 75 per cent of produce is to be locally purchased. There is to be annual increases in fair-trade coffee, sustainable seafood, organic and ethically-raised products. To keep inline with the university’s recycling and waste management initiatives bottled water will be banned from all retail locations, and they will favour packaging that is recyclable or compostable.
The new food-service provider will be engaged with the community at Concordia, support local community initiatives and implement feedback mechanisms to ensure Concordians satisfaction with their food-service provider.
Proposals can be submitted online until March 6, 2015, after which point a committee comprised of representations across Concordia including undergraduate, graduate students, staff, and the sustainability food-system coordinator will determine who will be the new food-service provider.
It is exciting to see great strides in local food procurement in institutions across Canada.
Upcoming Webinar
Local Food Procurement in the Ontario Broader Public Sector
Wednesday, February 25th @ 10a.m.-12p.m.
Join the Municipal Regional Food Policy Network and an expert panel for a discussion on local food procurement opportunities in municipally funded and organized facilities. The discussion will look at 3 major themes:
- The process of food purchasing for the public sector,
- Establishing local food purchasing policy, and
- Managing international trade regulations and existing purchasing policies.
Register here by February 24th at 5p.m.