Case for using locally grown food on campus

Abstract

As The University of Wisconsin River Falls has made the decision to be at the forefront of sustainable community development in the region, it becomes very important to look at all aspects of campus. Since our current food service contractor uses unsustainable practices, I researched the possibilities and benefits of using our local food stocks. My research was primarily looking at hidden costs of the food we eat here on campus based on previous research done by ecologists and economists. I also studied the feasibility of using our local food stock by using other universities, local programs, and our current use of local products. What I discovered was two important facts about our food services on campus. First, it was not sustainable and promoted a system that harmed our local economy, our neighbors, and the environment around the globe. Secondly, I found if we made a few changes in procurement our food services could provide a higher degree of freshness and nutrition to River Falls' students and staff. The conclusion I came to is that UW-River Falls should support imposed guidelines that tell our food service how much they must spend in our community.