Sustainability, Social Responsibility, & Community Partnership
The Center for Agroecology is the country’s leading university program in sustainable agriculture and food systems. The 30 acre farm on campus provides our markets with seasonal, organic fruits & vegetables. This vibrant farming program also provides internships for students within a living and learning environment. Check out our video.
Fair Trade Direct means more money back to the farmers and growers where the coffee is harvested. This pioneering program of campus interns and coffee growers was the start of UC Santa Cruz’s involvement in sustainable food systems. The coffee is robust, rich, and roasted locally. Students prefer this brew over any other brand we have offered. It’s available at the dining halls, Perk coffee bars, markets, and cafes.
Our composting partnership with ReGen Monterey helps us divert over 600 tons annually of food scraps from the landfill and turns it into nutrient-rich compost which is used to replenish the soil and grow more produce. Compostable paper products are used throughout our dining operations. 
All of the UC Santa Cruz Dining locations have been awarded the Green Business certification by the City of Santa Cruz. We believe a successful business is dependent on a healthy environment and we are actively working to show our environmental responsibility.
Zero Waste events are held throughout the year to bring attention to minimizing our carbon footprint. Uneaten food scraps are collected at dining halls during “waste audits” to help raise awareness about this growing concern. Through friendly competitions, students learn what factors create waste and how to reduce them. Not sure if you will like something? Ask for a sample first… take what you like, but eat what you take.
Would you like to plan a Zero Waste Event? Check out the Zero Waste Events Guide »
UCSC Dining holds three annual meal plan points donation drives. Each fall, we partner with Second Harvest Food Bank as part of the UCSC Holiday Food & Fund Drive. Students may donate meal plan points with 100% of contributions going to Santa Cruz County residents in need. The Swipes for Slugs donation drive is a partnership between UCSC Dining and the Dean of Students Office in winter and spring quarters.
During Swipes for Slugs, students can donate meal plan points to their fellow Slugs who may be experiencing food insecurities. donatemeals.ucsc.edu »
Center for Agroecology
Community Agroecology Network (CAN) Coffee Program
Composting
Green Business Awards
Waste Reduction
Donation Drives
