Sustainable Food

Whether it's fresh-pressed cider from the West Quad Apple Orchard or a routine order from our commercial food vendors, we pledge to "prioritize the purchase of food, as well as food-related supplies and equipment that meet industry certifications intended to minimize negative impacts on ecological systems and human health and safety, while at the same time upholding palatability, nutritional, financial, and performance criteria." ~ Principia College Green Dining Standard (2019) Dining Services maintains a web portal for comments, and invites suggestions for new recipes!

Students are expanding their palates, and we're listening! Dining Services offers at least two complete vegetarian options at every meal and, increasingly, protein-balanced vegan options, including the Beyond Burger®, "make it your way" pasta and whole grain dishes, and packaged organic meals. Fresh salads and scratch-made basics - including breads, pasta sauces, dressings - are available. Want to know more about vegan and "locavore" options, on and off campus? Visit our Sustainable Food blog @ http://content.principia.edu/sites/sustainablefood/

In 2013, the Land Stewardship Office and the Sustainability Club planted 670 native fruit and nut bearing trees (black mulberry, black walnut, chestnut, elderberry, pawpaw, pecan, persimmon) in a 14-acre field near the historic Eliestoun Estate and Arboretum on campus. The event emphasized the benefits that all trees provide - and in the case of the Food Forest, those benefits are expected to be quite delicious! As it matures, the Food Forest will support academic courses and co-curricular, experiential activities.

Menu items are of special importance because unsustainable food systems have negative consequences for biodiversity, climate, and essential natural resources (e.g., soil, water) – as well as human health and well-being. Our purchasing philosophy is evident with the sourcing of Certified Humane® chicken, cage-free eggs, and hyperlocal organic produce, such as from our campus green roof, herb gardens, and Three Rivers Community Farm. Beverages include 100% juice options, locally crafted sodas, and sustainably sourced teas and coffees.

Our fresh-brewed coffee is sourced exclusively from Sun Coffee Roasters, committed to bringing premium, socially responsible coffee to colleges and universities across the country. Sun Coffee Roasters sources coffee beans from certified Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade cooperatives worldwide and offers total transparency "from bean to cup." Energy-efficient roasting processes and eco-friendly packaging help to ensure that all business decisions are made with people and planet in mind. Note to self: Enjoy dessert and coffee at the Piasa Pub!

Coming soon!

Three Rivers Community Farm is a chemical-free, community-supported-agriculture (CSA) farm located on Principia College property; it's one of the oldest, most established, and highest producing CSA farms in the area. The farm provides fresh produce to our Dining Services - mainly for the salad bar and select side dishes in the hot line. The farm also hosts a seasonal Produce Stand open to the public, providing sustainably grown food to local customers. Our students have an opportunity to volunteer as interns - or work as summer field hands.

The West Quad Orchard was planted in the 1850s as part of the Fuller Farm, located on what is now the Chapel Green, and has been in continuous operation ever since. Generations of Principians have enjoyed the spring blossoms - and later the delicious treat of a hand-picked apple. The orchard also contributed to the campus Victory Gardens during WWII. Today this historic treasure is maintained by the Center for Sustainability, and students have the opportunity every fall to make apple sauce and homemade cider to share with our campus community.