Canada (Commonwealth)_At Chartwells Canada, we believe that delicious and nutritious food can be a driving force for positive change, not just on campus but also on a global scale. As the leading educational food service provider in the country, we take pride in partnering with universities like Simon Fraser University (SFU) to make a meaningful impact on the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs).
From July 24 to 26, 2023, we are thrilled to be participating in the United Nations Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+2) in Rome, Italy. Alongside SFU, we will showcase our successful local food sourcing model, which has been a pivotal part of our journey towards achieving industry-leading local food targets and contributing to the UN SDGs.
At the heart of our partnership with SFU lies our commitment to responsible consumption, production, and sustainability. Through our collaborative efforts, we have made remarkable progress towards our goal of sourcing up to 40 per cent of food locally, with an ambitious stretch goal of reaching 50 per cent. This achievement has been made possible through strong relationships with local farmers and supporting emerging local suppliers, constantly enriching our offerings with new and exciting local products.
Our dedication to sourcing local food isn’t just a corporate initiative; it is driven by the increasing demand from the community we serve. Research has shown that 75 per cent of Canadians are more likely to choose locally sourced food, making it not only a popular choice but also the right choice for a sustainable future.
With our vast reach as a company that serves 45 million meals to over 1.2 million post-secondary students annually, we recognize the unique opportunity we have to create meaningful impact at scale in Canada. That’s why we are eager to share the success of our local food partnership with SFU at the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment, hoping it inspires similar changes around the world.
Sustainability and innovation are at the core of our operations, and we are thrilled to have SFU as a partner in this transformation. SFU’s achievements in advancing the SDGs have been outstanding, ranking number one globally for its impact on sustainable cities and communities and fifth for its response to climate action in the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
Our initiatives with SFU demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable consumption and production. Here are some of the impactful initiatives we have undertaken together:
Setting a Stretch Goal of 50% Local Food Sourcing: We are dedicated to increasing the percentage of locally sourced food at SFU, supporting local farmers, and educating students about the importance of sustainable food choices.
Farm to Fork Program: Through this program, we engage students with information about new local farmers, fostering a sense of community and awareness of local food sources.
LEED Gold Certification: The SFU Dining Commons has achieved this prestigious certification, symbolizing our commitment to sustainable building design and operations.
Spotlight on Local Vendors: We shine a spotlight on local vendors and their products by featuring them in weekly menu items and on-campus activations.
Combatting Food Insecurity: Our ‘Connecting Through Food’ campaign, hosted by Chartwells, addresses food insecurity among students, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious meals.
Minimizing Food Waste: We pilot programs on campus to minimize food waste, further contributing to a sustainable food ecosystem.
We are excited to be joined by other like-minded partners at the UN summit, including the B.C Ministry of Food and Agriculture program Feed BC, Indigenous Culinary Innovators, and Goodly Foods. Together, we are leveraging local partnerships to achieve common sustainability goals, creating a powerful network of positive change.
At Chartwells Canada, we understand the importance of nurturing a healthy and sustainable food ecosystem for our future generations. Our commitment to sustainability is part of Compass Group Canada’s Planet Promise commitments, and we take great pride in providing innovative and education-specific technology, diverse culinary concepts, and exceptional janitorial services. Our 7,900 associates are dedicated to delivering the highest level of service and promoting a friendly professionalism on campuses across the country.
We invite you to join us virtually at the United Nations Food Systems Summit to witness the transformative power of sustainable food systems. Learn more about SFU’s Strategic Sustainability and Climate Action Plan and how they are making an impact on the UN SDGs by visiting www.sfu.ca/sustainability and www.sfu.ca/sdgs. Discover more about Chartwells’ sustainability work and the Planet Promise commitments by visiting https://www.compass-group.com/en/sustainability/planet.html
